counterbalance

Etymology

counter- + balance.

noun

1. (literally) A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
2. (figurative) A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.

verb

1. (transitive) To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.
   Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.
2. (transitive, figurative) To match or equal in effect when applying opposing force.
   Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each other.
   The defenders' knowledge of the terrain roughly counterbalances the attackers' superior equipment.
   Government control was inconsistent and (at times) motivated by wider political issues that prevented BR being able to charge reasonable rates. Counterbalancing this was the Commission's own policy regarding freight charges. It frequently did not charge enough to cover direct costs (the so-called exceptional rates), causing massive losses to accrue on merchandise movements. March 8 2023, David Clough, “The long road that led to Beeching”, in RAIL, number 978, page 43