counter

Definition

  • noun: a piece of furniture with a flat surface that workers and customers stand on opposite sides of when doing business in a store, restaurant, etc.
  • noun: a piece (as of metal or plastic) used in reckoning or in games
  • verb: to do something in defense or in response to something
  • verb: to act in opposition to
  • prefix: in a direction opposite to
  • prefix: contrary
  • usually singular
  • synonyms: calculator, reckoner, money

Examples

  • When they blamed him for the collapse of the bridge, he 'countered' that his warnings about the bridge had been ignored.

  • I wish my kitchen had more 'counter space'. [=I wish it had more counters or a bigger counter]

  • The soldier acted 'counter to' his orders. [=he did something that was against his orders]

Movie clips

Movie quotes