# counteract

/ˈkaʊntɝˌækt/ (US) · /kˌaʊntəɹˈækt/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/counteract
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to do something that reduces or stops the bad effect of something else. You use this when you want to balance out a negative situation.

For teachers: to act in opposition to something in order to neutralise its effect. Often implies the application of a corrective force or substance to mitigate a negative impact.

## Examples

- Drinking water helps to counteract the effects of the heat.
- The government introduced new tax breaks to counteract the recent decline in consumer spending.
- To counteract the rising acidity of the soil, the farmers applied a layer of crushed limestone across the fields before the spring planting began.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.