countermeasure
gb/kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚ/ us/kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚ/
C1
English
Senses
0 senses
Noun
formal
C1
action
1
Protective response to a threat
something you do or use to protect against a problem, danger, or attack
Usage pattern:
a countermeasure against [something]; take/implement/deploy countermeasures
Common mistake:
It is countable: a countermeasure or countermeasures. It is usually written as one word, not counter measure.
Synonyms
precaution (usually something done in advance to avoid danger)
|
safeguard (a protective measure or arrangement, often ongoing)
|
defense (broader term for protection against attack or danger)
|
protective measure (plain descriptive phrase, less technical than countermeasure)
Antonyms
threat (the danger or attack that a countermeasure is meant to address)
|
vulnerability (a weakness or exposure rather than a protective response)
Collocations
take countermeasures
|implement countermeasures
|introduce countermeasures
|deploy countermeasures
|develop countermeasures
|effective countermeasures
|security countermeasures
|technical countermeasures
|electronic countermeasures
|countermeasures against fraud
Themes
security
|risk
|military
|technology
|public_health
Examples
- After the data breach, the company introduced stricter countermeasures, including two-factor authentication.
- Antivirus software is only one countermeasure against online attacks.
- Pilots can release flares as countermeasures against heat-seeking missiles.
Learner examples
- We need countermeasures to stop theft.
- The city took countermeasures after the flood warning.
Grammar
Dictionary form
countermeasure
IPA
GB/kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚ/
US/kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚ/
Syllables & stress
coun - ter - meas - ure (4 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (coun)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: countermeasure
- Plural: countermeasures
Expressions
deploy countermeasures
1/dɪplˈɔɪ kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
technical
Use defensive measures
to start using defensive equipment or actions
Examples
- The aircraft deployed countermeasures when the missile system locked on.
- The security team deployed countermeasures to block the malware from spreading.
- Ships in the convoy were ready to deploy countermeasures against drones.
electronic countermeasures
1/ɪlˌɛktɹˈɔnɪk kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
technical
Electronic military disruption measures
electronic systems used to confuse or block enemy detection or weapons
Examples
- The aircraft uses electronic countermeasures to jam enemy radar.
- Electronic countermeasures can disrupt communications or confuse a missile's guidance system.
- The navy upgraded its electronic countermeasures after the tests.
implement countermeasures
1/ˈɪmpləmənt kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
business
Put protections into effect
to start using protective actions or systems
Examples
- The bank implemented countermeasures such as stronger identity checks.
- Engineers identified the fault and implemented countermeasures to prevent it from happening again.
- The audit found that several recommended countermeasures had not been implemented.
medical countermeasures
1/mˈɛdɪkəl kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
technical
Health products for major threats
medical products used to protect people from serious health threats
Examples
- Vaccines and antiviral drugs are important medical countermeasures during an outbreak.
- The agency stockpiles medical countermeasures for chemical, biological, and radiological emergencies.
- Researchers are developing new medical countermeasures against emerging viruses.
security countermeasures
1/sɪkjˈʊɹɪti kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
technical
Protection against security risks
things used to protect a place, system, or organization from security problems
Examples
- Security countermeasures include cameras, access cards, and regular software updates.
- The report recommended stronger security countermeasures for the payment system.
- Even simple security countermeasures can stop many common attacks.
take countermeasures
1/tˈeɪk kˈaʊntɚmˌɛʒɚz/
fixed phrase
formal
Act to reduce a threat
to do things to protect against a problem or danger
Examples
- Banks are taking countermeasures against a rise in payment scams.
- The government took countermeasures to limit the spread of the disease.
- If the river rises further, the city will take countermeasures to protect homes.