counteract

/ˌkaʊntərˈækt/

/kaʊntəˈækt/

Other forms: counteracted; counteracting; counteracts

To counteract is to work against something in an attempt to reverse it or cancel it out. You can try to counteract the neighbors' annoyance at your loud music by bringing them some homemade brownies.

When you counteract something, you act counter — or in opposition — to it. To counteract rising global temperatures, we have to reduce the greenhouse gases flowing into the atmosphere. In order to counteract the effects of a long sleepless night, you may want to drink a cup of coffee or tea. And a good way to counteract a limited vocabulary is to learn a new word every day!

Definitions of counteract

1. verb

   act in opposition to
   synonyms: antagonise, antagonize

   type of:

   act, move

   perform an action, or work out or perform (an action)
2. verb

   oppose or check by a counteraction
   synonyms: countercheck

   type of:

   check, contain, control, curb, hold, hold in, moderate

   lessen the intensity of; temper; hold in restraint; hold or keep within limits
3. verb

   oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
   “This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues”

   synonyms: counterbalance, countervail, neutralize

   types:

   override

   counteract the normal operation of (an automatic gear shift in a vehicle)

   type of:

   cancel, offset, set off

   make up for
4. verb

   destroy property or hinder normal operations
   synonyms: countermine, sabotage, subvert, undermine, weaken

   types:

   derail

   cause to run off the tracks

   type of:

   disobey

   refuse to go along with; refuse to follow; be disobedient