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Definition of counteract

counteract

/ˌkaʊn.tɚˈækt/
Adjective:counteractive
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Past Simple:counteracted
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Past Participle:counteracted
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Present Participle:counteracting
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counteract Lexical Profile

counteract Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To act against (something) in order to reduce, neutralize, or prevent its force or effect.

Example

"Doctors prescribed a special medication to counteract the side effects of the treatment."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for counteract

• Nearby Words

countenance
counter
counteraccusation
counteract
counteraction
counteractive
counterargue

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the mid-17th century from the prefix 'counter-' (from Old French 'contre', meaning 'against') combined with the verb 'act' (from Latin 'agere', meaning 'to do' or 'to drive').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Counteract. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/counteract
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