1. underground tunnels or explosives used to destroy enemy mines or fortifications
Usage: military; historical

1. to dig tunnels or place explosives to counter enemy mining operations
Usage: military; historical
2. to work against or thwart someone’s plans or schemes
Usage: figurative

Examples

• The fortress defenders dug countermines to intercept the enemy’s tunneling efforts.
• Medieval siege warfare often involved complex systems of mines and countermines.
• The engineers countermines the enemy’s approach by creating their own underground passages.
• She countermines his political ambitions with careful strategic planning.
• The company countermines its competitor’s marketing campaign with superior advertising.
• Historical accounts describe how defenders would countermine attacking forces during long sieges.