I. ˈkau̇ntə(r)+ noun
Etymology: counter- + balance
1. : a weight that balances another : counterpoise
2. : an agency, force, or power that balances, offsets, checks, or neutralizes an opposing force
his chary caution serving as a counterbalance to her impetuousness
II. | ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷+ transitive verb
1. : to serve as a counterbalance to : oppose with an equal weight : balance , counterpoise , countervail
the inward thrust is counterbalanced by the outer
2. : to oppose with equal force or significance : check , offset , neutralize , balance , compensate
those two opposite causes seem to counterbalance one another — Adam Smith
3. : to equip with counterbalances
two counterbalanced cable cars