counterpoise
[noun]
Synonyms: balance, equilibrium, equipoise, poise, stasis
[verb]
Synonyms: compensate, atone (for), balance, counterbalance, countervail, make up, offset, outweigh, redeem, set off

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Contrasted words: capsize, overturn, upset
Related Words: ballast, poise, stabilize, steady, trim

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

counterpoise noun. ['kaʊntǝpɔɪz] LME.
[Old French countrepeis, -pois (mod. contrepoids), formed as COUNTER- + POISE noun¹.]
1. A weight which balances another weight or establishes equilibrium against a force. LME.

2. Something of equivalent force, effect, etc., on the opposite side. LME.
■ T. Collins Deeming my birth and education a sufficient counterpoise to her wealth.
b. A compensation; an equivalent. L16-E17.
■ Shakespeare All's Well To whom I promise A counterpoise, if not to thy estate A balance more replete.

3. The state of being balanced; equilibrium. L16.
■ Milton The pendulous round earth with ballanc't Aire In counterpoise.

4. A horizontal network of conductors connected to a transmitting aerial just above the ground to reduce losses to earth. E20.

5. A conductor or network of conductors buried in the ground and connected to an electricity pylon in order to reduce the risk of flash-overs caused by lightning. M20.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲

counterpoise verb. ['kaʊntǝpɔɪz] LME.
[from tonic stem of Old French contrepeser, formed as COUNTER-, PEISE verb. Later assim. to the noun.]
1. verb trans.
a. Balance in power, quality, or effect; compensate for. LME.
■ Henry Fielding A weakness which may counterpoise this merit.
b. Balance by a weight on the opposite side or acting in opposition; counterbalance. M16.
■ W. Harrison One shilling of siluer in those daies did counterpeise our common ounce.

2. verb intrans. Act as a counterbalance (to, with, against). LME-M16.
■ T. Norton Such a bitternesse of sorrow..as may in balaunce counterpaise with the trust of pardon.

3. verb trans. Bring into or keep in equilibrium. LME.

4. verb trans. & intrans. Consider or ponder carefully. LME-L17.

5. verb trans. Compare (a thing) with another to ascertain their relative values. L17.
■ Southey Who in the deceitful scales Of worldly wisdom, dare to counterpoise The right with the expedient.

[TahlilGaran] English Dictionary ▲