Counteract

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊntəɹˌækt/

Definitions

1. To oppose or neutralize the effect of something by applying an opposing force or action
2. To take action that directly opposes or diminishes the effects of an influence or event by employing a countering strategy or method
3. To mitigate or reduce the impact of an influence or phenomenon by implementing a strategy or action that works against it

Etymology: Counteract is about as transparent as English compounds get: "counter-" followed by "act." The "act" half comes from Latin "actus," the past participle of "agere," "to drive, do, or set in motion," which reached English through Old French "act" in the Middle English period. Its core sense of doing something is much older than any idea of opposition. The prefix is the more interesting piece. "Counter-" traces back through Anglo-Norman "countre" and Old French "contre" to Latin "contrā," "against" or "opposite," itself built from "com-" with a comparative ending, so the prefix literally carries the idea of facing something across from it. That is why "counteract" means to act against something and neutralise its effects, rather than simply to act. The combination was formed in English by joining the two parts, which is why its shape is so plain.

Synonyms: neutralize, mitigate, offset, counter, diminish

Antonyms: aggravate, intensify, exacerbate, worsen, amplify