countervail Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb compensate for or counterbalance
    offset.
    • offset deposits and withdrawals
  2. verb oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
    counteract; counterbalance; neutralize.
    • This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues

WordNet

Coun`ter*vail" transitive verb
Etymology
OF. contrevaloir; contre (L. contra) + valoir to avail, fr. L. valere to be strong, avail. See Vallant.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Countervailed present participle & verbal noun Countervailing
Definitions
  1. To act against with equal force, power, or effect; to thwart or overcome by such action; to furnish an equivalent to or for; to counterbalance; to compensate.
    Upon balancing the account, the profit at last will hardly countervail the inconveniences that go allong with it. L'Estrange.
Coun"ter*vail` noun
Definitions
  1. Power or value sufficient to obviate any effect; equal weight, strength, or value; equivalent; compensation; requital. Obs.
    Surely, the present pleasure of a sinful act is a poor countervail for the bitterness of the review. South.

Webster 1913