▪ a factor having the opposite effect to that of another and so preventing it from exercising a disproportionate influence:"his restoration to power was intended as a counterbalance to his rival's influence"
verb
1. (of a weight) balance (another weight): "the sitter's weight counterbalances the tilting pressure on the backrest"
▪ neutralize or cancel by exerting an opposite influence:"the extra cost of mail order may be counterbalanced by its convenience"