Search Result for "countervail": 
Wordnet 3.0

VERB (2)

1. compensate for or counterbalance;
- Example: "offset deposits and withdrawals"
[syn: offset, countervail]

2. oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions;
- Example: "This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues"
[syn: counteract, countervail, neutralize, counterbalance]



The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Countervail \Coun`ter*vail"\ (koun`t?r-v?l"), v. t. [imp. & p.
   p. Countervailed (-v?ld); p. pr. & vb. n.
   Countervailing.] [OF. contrevaloir; contre (L. contra) +
   valoir to avail, fr. L. valere to be strong, avail. See
   Vallant.]
   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.
   [1913 Webster]

         Upon balancing the account, the profit at last will
         hardly countervail the inconveniences that go allong
         with it.                                 --L'Estrange.
   [1913 Webster]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Countervail \Coun"ter*vail`\ (koun"t?r-v?l`), n.
   Power or value sufficient to obviate any effect; equal
   weight, strength, or value; equivalent; compensation;
   requital. [Obs.]
   [1913 Webster]

         Surely, the present pleasure of a sinful act is a poor
         countervail for the bitterness of the review. --South.
   [1913 Webster]


WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

countervail
    v 1: compensate for or counterbalance; "offset deposits and
         withdrawals" [syn: offset, countervail]
    2: oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions; "This
       will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues" [syn:
       counteract, countervail, neutralize, counterbalance]