Counterbalance
/ˌkaʊntəˈbæləns/ noun, verb
noun, verb ·Common ·High school level
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance. literally
- 2 a weight that balances another weight wordnet
- 3 A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one. figuratively
- 4 a compensating equivalent wordnet
- 5 equality of distribution wordnet
Verb
- 1 To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight. transitive
"Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound."
- 2 oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions wordnet
- 3 To match or equal in effect when applying opposing force. figuratively, transitive
"Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each other."
- 4 contrast with equal weight or force wordnet
- 5 adjust for wordnet
Example
More examples"Tom, this lumber, sat at one end of this sentence, while, too light to counterbalance him, on the other side, sat Mary."
Etymology
From counter- + balance.