ENGLISH
REFERENCE

countering

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈkaʊntɝɪŋ// UK //kˈaʊntəɹɪŋ// coun·ter·ing

v. to take action against something in order to stop it or reduce its effect. You use this when you want to balance out a negative force with a positive or defensive one.

v. acting in opposition to a force, argument, or strategy to neutralise its impact. Often describes defensive measures in debate, sports, or military contexts.


SIMPLE

The government is countering the rise in prices with new tax cuts.

CONTEXTUAL

The legal team spent the weekend countering the witness's testimony with new evidence from the crime scene.

COMPLEX

By diversifying their energy sources, the nation is effectively countering the geopolitical risks associated with a heavy reliance on a single foreign supplier.

Synonyms
Usage

The verb is transitive and takes a direct object; often used in the present participle form to describe ongoing strategic responses.

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