counter-
Prefix meaning against
Counter- is a prefix meaning against, opposite, or in response to.
A counterargument opposes an argument; a counterattack responds to an attack; counterclockwise is the opposite of clockwise.
Counter- can also mean corresponding or duplicate: a counterpart matches something else, a countersign confirms a signature.
The prefix attaches productively to nouns and verbs alike.
Response opposing another's assertion
- counterdemandResponsive opposing request
- countersignReply to a watchword
- counterchargeAccusation against one's accuser
- countersuitDefendant's lawsuit against plaintiff
counterpetition · countermotion · counterbid · counterappeal · counternotice
Military-targeted strike capability
- counterweightBalancing mass in machinery
- counteroffensiveRetaliatory military operation
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
- counterpointSimultaneous independent melodies
countervail · counterrevolution · counterblow · countermove · counterintuitive · counterterrorism · counterintelligence · counterproposal
Revoke a prior order
- counterorderDirective reversing a previous one
- counterrotationSpinning in opposite directions
- counterflowCurrent opposing another
- countersteerTurning toward a skid
countertrend · countercyclical · counterpoise · counterswing · countermovement
counterstatement
Response opposing another's assertion
- counterdemandResponsive opposing request
- countersignReply to a watchword
- counterchargeAccusation against one's accuser
countersuit · counterpetition · countermotion · counterbid · counterappeal · counternotice
counterforce
Military-targeted strike capability
- counterweightBalancing mass in machinery
- counteroffensiveRetaliatory military operation
- counterstrikeRetaliatory military action
counterpoint · countervail · counterrevolution · counterblow · countermove · counterintuitive · counterterrorism · counterintelligence · counterproposal · counterpressure
countermand
Revoke a prior order
- counterorderDirective reversing a previous one
- counterrotationSpinning in opposite directions
- counterflowCurrent opposing another
countersteer · countertrend · countercyclical · counterpoise · counterswing · countermovement
- counter cultureOpposition to mainstream society
- kitchen counterHorizontal food-prep surface
- over the counterSold without prescription
- checkout counterRetail payment station
- card counterOne tracking dealt hands
- deli counterStore section for prepared foods
counter, counterpart, counteract, countersignature, counterattack, countertop, counterbalance, counterculture, counterclaim