countervail
/ˌkaʊntəˈveɪl
/verb [with object] (usually as adjective countervailing)
Offset the effect of (something) by countering it with something of equal force: the dominance of the party was mediated by a number of countervailing factors...
- Any particular discretionary matter may be subject to countervailing matters of equal or greater weight.
- But we are concerned because there is a strong presidency without countervailing institutions.
- Integrity in promise-keeping, at times, confronts countervailing considerations of human welfare.
Origin
Late Middle English (in the sense 'be equivalent to in value'): from Anglo-Norman French contrevaloir, from Latin contra valere 'be of worth against'.