cou nter-argument (counter-arguments ) in AM, usually use counterargument N‑COUNT A counter-argument is an argument that makes an opposing point to another argument. □ [+ to ] …an attempt to develop a counter-argument to the labour theory.
cou nter-attack (counter-attacks , counter-attacking , counter-attacked ) also counterattack VERB If you counter-attack , you attack someone who has attacked you. □ [V ] The security forces counter-attacked the following day and quelled the unrest. [Also V n] ● N‑COUNT Counter-attack is also a noun. □ The army began its counter-attack this morning.
counter|bal|ance /kaʊ ntə r bælens/ (counterbalances , counterbalancing , counterbalanced ) also counter-balance
1 VERB To counterbalance something means to balance or correct it with something that has an equal but opposite effect. □ [V n] Add honey to counterbalance the acidity.
2 N‑COUNT Something that is a counterbalance to something else counterbalances that thing. □ [+ to ] …organisations set up as a counterbalance to groups allied to the ANC.
coun|ter|bid /kaʊ ntə r b I d/ (counterbids ) N‑COUNT A counterbid is a bid that is made in response to a bid from another person or group, offering the seller more advantages. □ Bass is expected to make a surprise counterbid for First Leisure's family entertainment division on Tuesday, sparking a bid war.
counter|blast /kaʊ ntə r blɑːst, -blæst/ (counterblasts ) also counter-blast N‑COUNT A counterblast is a strong angry reply to something that has been said, written, or done. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ to ] British experts delivered a strong counter-blast to the Professor's claims.
counter|clockwise /kaʊ ntə r klɒ kwa I z/ also counter-clockwise ADV [ADV after v] If something is moving counterclockwise , it is moving in the opposite direction to the direction in which the hands of a clock move. [AM ] □ Rotate the head clockwise and counterclockwise. ● ADJ [ADJ n] Counterclockwise is also an adjective. □ The dance moves in a counter-clockwise direction. [in BRIT, use anticlockwise ]
cou nter-culture (counter-cultures ) also counterculture N‑VAR Counter-culture is a set of values, ideas, and ways of behaving that are completely different from those of the rest of society. □ …a history of British counter-culture.
cou nter-e spionage in AM, use counterespionage N‑UNCOUNT Counter-espionage is the same as counter-intelligence .
counter|feit /kaʊ ntə r f I t/ (counterfeits , counterfeiting , counterfeited )
1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] Counterfeit money, goods, or documents are not genuine, but have been made to look exactly like genuine ones in order to deceive people. □ He admitted possessing and delivering counterfeit currency. ● N‑COUNT Counterfeit is also a noun. □ They sold luxury watches and handbags – all counterfeits.
2 VERB If someone counterfeits something, they make a version of it that is not genuine but has been made to look genuine in order to deceive people. □ [V n] …the coins Davies is alleged to have counterfeited. ● counter|feit|er (counterfeiters ) N‑COUNT [usu pl] □ …a gang of counterfeiters.
counter|foil /kaʊ ntə r fɔ I l/ (counterfoils ) N‑COUNT A counterfoil is the part of a cheque, ticket, or other document that you keep when you give the other part to someone else.
cou nter-inte lligence also counter intelligence , counterintelligence N‑UNCOUNT [oft N n] Counter-intelligence consists of actions that a country takes in order to find out whether another country is spying on it and to prevent it from doing so. □ …the FBI's department of counter-intelligence. □ …a counter-intelligence officer.
counter|mand /kaʊ ntə r mɑː nd, -mæ nd/ (countermands , countermanding , countermanded ) VERB If you countermand an order, you cancel it, usually by giving a different order. [FORMAL ] □ [V n] I can't countermand an order Winger's given.
cou nter-measure (counter-measures ) also countermeasure N‑COUNT A counter-measure is an action that you take in order to weaken the effect of another action or a situation, or to make it harmless. □ Because the threat never developed, we didn't need to take any real countermeasures.
counter|pane /kaʊ ntə r pe I n/ (counterpanes ) N‑COUNT A counterpane is a decorative cover on a bed. [OLD-FASHIONED ]
counter|part ◆◇◇ /kaʊ ntə r pɑː r t/ (counterparts ) N‑COUNT [usu poss N ] Someone's or something's counterpart is another person or thing that has a similar function or position in a different place. □ The Foreign Secretary telephoned his Italian counterpart to protest.
counter|point /kaʊ ntə r pɔ I nt/ (counterpoints ) N‑COUNT [usu sing] Something that is a counterpoint to something else contrasts with it in a satisfying way. [JOURNALISM ] □ [+ to ] Paris is just a short train journey away, providing the perfect counterpoint to the peace and quiet of Reims.
cou nter-produ ctive also counterproductive ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] Something that is counter-productive achieves the opposite result from the one that you want to achieve. □ In practice, however, such an attitude is counter-productive.
cou nter-revolu tion (counter-revolutions ) in AM, also use counterrevolution 1 N‑COUNT A counter-revolution is a revolution that is intended to reverse the effects of a previous revolution. □ The consequences of the counter-revolution have been extremely bloody.