Words / B2

kownt-uh-r-AKT/ˌkaʊntərˈækt/

To counteract is to reduce or prevent the effect of something by causing an opposite effect: counteract the acid; counteract inflation. Counter is related (already in the dictionary); oppose is broader. A buffer is added to counteract the acid. Mix-up: counterfeit (next); contract. Do not write counteract for adding more of the same effect.

Meaning

To reduce or prevent the effect of something by causing an opposite effect.

Examples

• “A buffer is added to counteract the acid, the practical said.”
• “A levy to counteract emissions featured in the policy source, which is the offset sense.”

Good to know

counteract + noun; counteracting. Broader: oppose. Trap: counterfeit / contract. Science, economics, and news. Work against an effect, not copy it.

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