counterweight

Meaning

Noun

1. A heavy mass of often iron or concrete, mechanically linked in opposition to a load which is to be raised and lowered, with the intent of reducing the amount of work which must be done to effect the raising and lowering. Counterweights are used, for example, in cable-hauled elevators and some kinds of movable bridges (e.g. a bascule bridge).
2. (figuratively) A counterbalance.

Verb

To fit with a counterweight.

Synonyms

counterbalance

counterpoise

balance

equaliser

offset

counterpose

equalizer

equipoise

balance weight

weight

counteraction

counteract

equilibrate

cancel out

level

neutralization

buck

outweigh

ballast

weight counterbalance

additional weight

balancing weight

kite tail

tension weight

back balance

counter weight

counterweigh

Translations

contrepoids

Gegengewicht

contrapeso

αντίβαρο

contrapeso

contragewicht

contrappeso

contrapès

Gewicht

auswuchten

égaliseur

équilibre

équilibrer

ins Gleichgewicht bringen

Etymology

From counter- + weight.