counteraction

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   action taken to oppose, offset, or neutralize the effect of another action or force

   Ventilation provides some counteraction against the buildup of harmful fumes.

2. 2
   noun

   an action made in retaliation or response to an attack

   The sudden raid provoked an immediate counteraction from the defending force.

Formed from counter- + action, and closely associated with the verb counteract. Counter- comes through French from Latin contra, 'against,' while action ultimately comes from Latin agere, 'to do, drive.'

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