counteract
UK[ˌkaʊntərˈækt]US[ˌkaʊntərˈækt]
v
To reduce or remove the effect of something unwanted by producing an opposite effect.
v
To act against something to neutralize its force or effectiveness.
Morpheme Breakdown
counter
act
counter
against
act
do
Etymology
The word 'counteract' is a transparent compound formed within English from the prefix 'counter-' and the verb 'act'. The prefix 'counter-' entered English via Anglo-French from the Latin preposition contra, meaning 'against'. The verb 'act' derives from the Latin past participle actus of the verb agere, meaning 'to drive, lead, do'. The literal, morphemic meaning is "to act against." This logic perfectly captures the modern abstract sense: to perform an action designed to oppose, neutralize, or undo the effects of another action or force.
Analysis
Structure: counter (against) + act (do)
- counter: From Latin contra (against, opposite). A prefix indicating opposition or reciprocation.
- act: From Latin actus (a doing, a driving), from agere (to do, to drive, to lead). The core verb meaning to do or perform.
Examples
The medication helps to counteract the side effects of the treatment.
We must take steps to counteract the negative publicity.
The government introduced new policies to counteract inflation.