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1counterbalance
noun coun·ter·bal·ance \ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌba-lən(t)s, ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈ\
Definition of COUNTERBALANCE
1
: a weight that balances another
2
: a force or influence that offsets or checks an opposing force
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Examples of COUNTERBALANCE
- <charitable giving is usually a good counterbalance to the self-indulgent commercialism of the Christmas season>
First Known Use of COUNTERBALANCE
circa 1611
Related to COUNTERBALANCE
- Synonyms
- balance, canceler (or canceller), corrective, counter, counteraction, counterforce, counterpoise, counterweight, equipoise, neutralizer, offset
2counterbalance
verb \ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈ, ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌ\
: to have an effect that is opposite but equal to (something) : to balance (something) by being opposite
Full Definition of COUNTERBALANCE
transitive verb
1
: to oppose or balance with an equal weight or force
2
: to equip with counterbalances
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Examples of COUNTERBALANCE
- The author's wry humor counterbalances the book's serious subject matter.
- <a hearty dinner might counterbalance missing lunch>
First Known Use of COUNTERBALANCE
circa 1611
Related to COUNTERBALANCE
- Synonyms
- annul, cancel (out), compensate (for), correct, counteract, offset, counterpoise, make up (for), negative, neutralize
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