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counter2

Pronunciation: /ˈkaʊntə/

Translate counter | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of counter

verb

[with object]
  • speak or act in opposition to:the second argument is more difficult to counter
  • [no object] respond to hostile speech or action:the possibility of the enemy being able to counter with similar missiles was remote
  • [no object] Boxing give a return blow while parrying:he countered with a left hook

adverb

(counter to)
  • in the opposite direction or in opposition to:his writing ran counter to the dominant trends of the decade

adjective

  • responding to something of the same kind, especially in opposition:after years of argument and counter argument there is no conclusive answerSee also counter-.

noun

  • 1 [usually in singular] a thing which opposes or prevents something else:the stimulus to employers' organization was partly a counter to growing union power
  • an answer to an argument or criticism:he anticipates an objection and plans his counter
  • Boxing a blow given while parrying; a counterpunch.
  • 2the curved part of the stern of a ship projecting aft above the waterline.
  • 3 Printing the white space enclosed by a letter such as O or c.

Phrases

go (or British hunt or run) counter

run or ride against the direction taken by a quarry.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Old French contre, from Latin contra 'against', or directly from counter-

counter in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of counter in the US English dictionary
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