[n. of action f. COUNTERACT v.]
1. Adverse or contrary action, action in opposition to action, resistance.
1750. Johnson, Rambler, No. 29, ¶ 8. A temper … which … fills him with perpetual stratagems of counteraction. Ibid. (1751), ibid. No. 168, ¶ 5. From the counteraction of the words to the idea.
1790. Burke, Fr. Rev., 50–1. That opposition of interests … that action and counteraction which, in the natural and in the political world [etc.].
1800. Wellington, in Owen, Desp., 690. You will exclude from the public records every indication of jealousy and counteraction.
1862. Ruskin, Unto this Last, 71. The action and counteraction of wealth and poverty.
2. The counteracting or neutralizing of any action or tendency.
1790. Han. More, Relig. Fash. World (1791), 142. People whose whole life … is one continued counteraction of the principles in which they have probably been bred.
1808. Ann. Reg., 1806, 917. It afforded the best counteraction of the turbulent spirit of reform.
1871. Blackie, Four Phases, i. 34. Instincts, which, if left without counteraction, would naturally lead to isolation.
3. A counteracting influence or force.
1822. Coleridge, Lett., Convers. &c. II. 91. If instead of a Helpmate we take an Obstacle, a daily counteraction.
1842. Manning, Serm. (1848), I. 230. The fretting of little daily counter-actions.
