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Noun: counterbalance  'kawn-tu(r),ba-lun(t)s
  1. A weight that balances another weight
    - counterweight, counterpoise, balance, equalizer, equaliser [Brit]
     
  2. Equality of distribution
    - balance, equilibrium, equipoise
     
  3. A compensating equivalent
    - offset
Verb: counterbalance  'kawn-tu(r),ba-lun(t)s
  1. Adjust for
    "engineers will work to counterbalance the effects of air resistance";
    - compensate, correct, make up, even out, even off, even up
     
  2. Contrast with equal weight or force
    - oppose
     
  3. Oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
    "This will counterbalance the foolish actions of my colleagues";
    - counteract, countervail, neutralize, neutralise [Brit]

Derived forms: counterbalanced, counterbalances, counterbalancing

See also: right

Type of: balance, cancel, compensation, construction, contrast, counterpoint, equilibrate, equilibrise [Brit], equilibrize, offset, set off, structure, weight

Encyclopedia: Counterbalance