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Definition of counterweight

counterweight

/ˈkaʊn.tɚˌweɪt/
coun · ter · weight
Plural:counterweights
•
Past Simple:counterweighted
•
Past Participle:counterweighted
•
Present Participle:counterweighting
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counterweight Lexical Profile

counterweight Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A weight that balances another weight in a mechanical system, such as an elevator or crane.

Example

"The engineer adjusted the heavy iron counterweight to ensure the elevator moved smoothly."

2

An influence, force, or factor that acts to balance or offset another.

Example

"An independent judiciary serves as a vital counterweight to executive authority."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for counterweight

• verb

1

To equip with or balance by means of an opposing weight or offsetting force.

Example

"The stagehands counterweighted the heavy backdrop so it could be raised with minimal effort."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for counterweight
Antonyms
View all antonyms for counterweight

• Nearby Words

countertrend
countervailing
counterview
counterweight
countess
countless
countrified

Word Origin & Etymology

Formed in the late 17th century from the prefix counter- and weight, modeled on French contrepoids.

Cite this Entry

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