counterbalance
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈkaʊntɝˌbæɫəns// coun·ter·bal·ance
n. something that helps to balance out a strong feeling, idea, or force. It is like a weight on the other side of a scale to make things even.
n. a person, thing, or action that serves to balance or neutralise a particular force, influence, or emotion. Often used in political or psychological contexts to describe a stabilising force.
The new law acts as a counterbalance to the previous one.
In many democracies, an independent judiciary serves as a counterbalance to the power of the executive branch.
The protagonist's internal monologue provides a necessary counterbalance to the frenetic action of the plot, allowing the reader to process the emotional stakes of the narrative.
From counter- + balance.