v., adv., adj., & n.
v. 1 tr. a oppose, contradict (countered our proposal with their own). b meet by a countermove. 2 intr. a make a countermove. b make an opposing statement ('I shall!' he countered). 3 intr. Boxing give a return blow while parrying.
adv. 1 in the opposite direction (ran counter to the fox). 2 contrary (his action was counter to my wishes).
adj. 1 opposed; opposite. 2 duplicate; serving as a check.
n. 1 a parry; a countermove. 2 something opposite or opposed. act (or go) counter to disobey (instructions etc.). go (or hunt or run) counter run or ride against the direction taken by a quarry. run counter to act contrary to.
[ ME f. OF countre f. L contra against: see COUNTER- ]