(transitive) To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.''Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.
BoyleThe remaining air was not able to counterbalance the mercurial cylinder.
(transitive) To apply force in order to balance an opposite one.''Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each-other
(transitive, figuratively) To match or equal in effect, but acting in opposition''The defenders' knowledge of the terrain roughly counterbalances the attackers' superior equipment
Sir W. HamiltonThe study of mind is necessary to counterbalance and correct the influence of the study of nature.
Schuster Hepaticae V|ixA considerable effort has been made in these volumes to counterbalance this activity by introducing the student to the plants as living entities with a "life of their own," as Spruce put it.
