The Britannica Dictionary
mobile search
Home
Ask the Editor
Word of the Day
Quizzes
Core Vocabulary
Browse the Dictionary
×
Britannica Homepage
Ask the Editor
Word of the Day
Quizzes
Core Vocabulary
Browse the Dictionary
The Britannica Dictionary
counterweight
1 ENTRIES FOUND:
counterweight
(noun)
counterweight
/
ˈ
kaʊntɚˌweɪt/
noun
plural
counterweights
counterweight
/
ˈ
kaʊntɚˌweɪt/
noun
plural
counterweights
Britannica Dictionary definition of COUNTERWEIGHT
[
count
]
:
a weight that provides a balance against something of equal weight
The crane has a heavy
counterweight
on the back.
[+] more examples
[-] hide examples
[+] Example sentences
[-] Hide examples
—
often used figuratively
Their liberal views act as a
counterweight
to/against the governor's conservatism.
[+] more examples
[-] hide examples
[+] Example sentences
[-] Hide examples
ASK THE EDITOR
What are the plural forms of
check-in
,
passerby
, and
spoonful
?
See the answer »
QUIZZES
Vocabulary Quiz
Test your word power
Take the Quiz »
Name That Thing
Take our visual quiz
Test Your Knowledge »
WORD OF THE DAY
emulate
:
to try to be like (someone or something you admire)
Learn More »