1. a weight that balances another weight
2. something that serves as a balancing force or influence

1. to balance with an equal weight or force

Examples

• The elevator uses a counterweight to make lifting easier.
• Heavy stones served as counterweights on the old crane.
• The committee added members from the opposition as a counterweight to the majority party.
• Her calm personality was a counterweight to his impulsive nature.
• The sandbags counterweight the stage backdrop.
• We need to counterweight this argument with solid evidence.
• The clock’s pendulum is counterweighted for accurate timing.