counterbalance

  1. Noun.  (literally) A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
  2. Noun.  (figuratively) A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.
  3. Verb.  To apply weight in order to balance an opposing one.
  4. Verb.  To apply force in order to balance an opposite one.
  5. Verb.  (figuratively) To match or equal in effect, but acting in opposition.

This is an unmodified, but possibly outdated, definition from Wiktionary and used here under the Creative Commons license. Wiktionary is a great resource. If you like it too, please donate to Wikimedia.

This entry was last updated on RefTopia from its source on 3/20/2012.