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counterpoise
/ˈkaʊntərˌpɔɪz/
balance or counteract
The team's strong defense served as a counterpoise to the opponent's aggressive offense.
The defensive strategy balanced or offset the opposing team's attacking play.
formal
A force or influence that balances or neutralizes another.
The treaty included economic measures as a counterpoise to military tensions.
The economic clauses were designed to balance or offset the military provisions.
Often used in political, economic, or physical contexts to describe equilibrium.
formal
To act against or balance with an equal force.
The new policy aims to counterpoise the effects of inflation.
The policy seeks to counteract or neutralize the impact of rising prices.
Common in technical or strategic discussions.
Collocations
serve as a counterpoiseact as a balancing forcecounterpoise againstbalance or neutralize something
Pro Tip
Avoid confusion with 'counterbalance'
'Counterpoise' often implies a more dynamic or strategic balancing, while 'counterbalance' can refer to a static equilibrium. For example, 'The treaty's economic clauses acted as a counterpoise to military tensions' suggests an active neutralizing force.
Gold Rule
Use in formal contexts
Reserve 'counterpoise' for formal writing or discussions where precision is required. Avoid it in casual conversation.
Word Origin
From Middle English *counterpoisen*, from Old French *contrepoids* (modern *contrepoids*), from *contre-* (against) + *poids* (weight), ultimately from Latin *pondus* (weight).
Usage Notes
Primarily used in formal or technical contexts. The verb form is less common than the noun.
Word Breakdown
counter-
against or opposite
prefix-poise
weight or balance
rootEnglish Dictionary