Countermand — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb noun /ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌmand/ coun·ter·mand

Meaning & Definition of Countermand

Countermand (verb)

  1. to revoke (a command) by a contrary order
  2. to recall or order back by a superseding contrary order

Countermand (noun)

  1. a contrary order
  2. the revocation of an order or command

Countermand (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to cancel (an order) especially by giving a new order

    "Orders to blow up the bridge were countermanded."

    similar: override, overrule, overturn, veto, abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, vacate, void, abort, call, call off, drop, recall, retract, reverse, revoke, suspend, withdraw, ban, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit, disallow, dismiss, reject, annihilate, break down, eliminate, eradicate, erase, liquidate, remove, throw out, write off
    opposite: enact, lay down, legislate, establish, found, institute, formalize, legalize, legitimate, legitimize, validate, pass, ratify, allow, approve, authorize, clear, endorse, permit, sanction, warrant, command, decree, mandate, order, prescribe

Countermand (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. as in veto, overturn

    similar: override, overruling, overturn, veto, abatement, abolishment, abolition, abrogation, annulment, avoidance, cancellation, defeasance, dissolution, invalidation, negation, nullification, quashing, repeal, rescindment, voiding, abortion, calling off, recall, retraction, reversal, revocation, suspension, withdrawal, banning, enjoining, forbiddance, outlawing, prohibition, disallowance, dismissal, rejection, elimination, eradication, erasure, liquidation, removal
    opposite: passing, ratification, approval, authorization, clearance, endorsement, permission, sanctioning, enactment, legislation, establishment, founding, institution, formalization, legalization, legitimation, legitimization, validation

  2. as in counterorder

    similar: counterorder, mandate, law, precept, prescript, prescription, rule, demand, requirement, ordinance, regulation, statute, behest, charge, command, commandment, decree, dictate, direction, directive, do, edict, imperative, injunction, instruction, order, word
    opposite: appeal, entreaty, petition, plea, urging, proposal, recommendation, suggestion

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Countermand

The most common words with a similar meaning to Countermand:

override, overrule, overturn, veto, abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid, cancel, disannul, dissolve, invalidate, negate, null, nullify, quash, repeal, rescind, roll back, strike down, vacate, void, abort, call, call off, drop, recall, retract, reverse, revoke, suspend, withdraw, ban, enjoin, forbid, outlaw, prohibit, disallow, dismiss

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Countermand

Words with the opposite meaning of Countermand:

enact, lay down, legislate, establish, found, institute, formalize, legalize, legitimate, legitimize, validate, pass, ratify, allow, approve, authorize, clear, endorse, permit, sanction, warrant, command, decree, mandate, order, prescribe, passing, ratification, approval, authorization

Word Forms of Countermand

Inflections: countermanded, countermanding, countermands

Origin & Etymology of Countermand

Middle English countermaunden, from Anglo-French cuntremander, from cuntre- counter- + mander to command, from Latin mandare mandate

First known use: 15th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Countermand

Frequently Asked Questions about Countermand

What does "Countermand" mean?

"Countermand" means to revoke (a command) by a contrary order. As an a verb and a noun, it is defined as: to revoke (a command) by a contrary order. It has 3 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Countermand"?

Other words for "Countermand" include override, overrule, overturn, veto, abate, abolish, abrogate and annul. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Countermand" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Countermand"?

There are 113 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Countermand". Common alternatives include override, overrule, overturn, veto, abate, abolish, abrogate, annul, avoid and cancel.

What is the opposite of "Countermand"?

Antonyms of "Countermand" include enact, lay down, legislate, establish, found, institute, formalize and legalize.

How do you use "Countermand" in a sentence?

Examples of "Countermand" in a sentence: "Orders to blow up the bridge were countermanded.".

Is "Countermand" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Countermand" can be used as a verb and a noun, depending on the context.

Is "Countermand" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a C2-level word, "Countermand" is typical of Cambridge C2 Proficiency (CPE), IELTS band 8.5–9.0, TOEFL iBT 114–120, PTE Academic 85–90. Advanced words like this are also useful for the GRE, SAT, GMAT, and LSAT.

How do you pronounce "Countermand"?

"Countermand" is pronounced /ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌmand/ and divided into syllables as coun·ter·mand.