counterbalance
UK/'kaʊntə,bæl(ə)ns/US/'kauntә.bælәns/
IELTSTOEFLGREC2
Definitions
n.
A weight or force that offsets another, keeping the whole steady.
配重，平衡力，抗衡因素
v.
To offset or check an opposing force or influence; to make even by adding weight on the other side.
抵消，制衡，使平衡
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcounter-against, in return
+
balancebar, barrier; ban, prohibition
=counterbalance
counter- (against, in return) + balance = a weight on the opposite pan. On a two-pan scale, you offset a heavy pan by adding weight to the other side; counterbalance keeps that image both literally (the counterweight in a lift or crane) and figuratively (one force checking another, like checks and balances in government).
Common Collocations
- 1.act as a counterbalance起到制衡作用
- 2.counterbalance the effect of抵消……的影响
- 3.provide a counterbalance to对……形成制衡
- 4.counterbalance the weight平衡重量
Example Sentences
- 1.
Heavy weights at the back counterbalance the crane's long arm.
- 2.
Tax cuts were used to counterbalance the rise in fuel prices.
- 3.
A strong opposition acts as a counterbalance to government power.