countermand Hear it!

countermand Definition

coun·ter·mand (ko̵unt′ər mand′; also, and for n.always, ko̵unt′ər mand′)

transitive verb

  1. to cancel or revoke (a command or order)
  2. to call back or order back by a contrary order

Etymology: ME contremaunden < OFr contremander < L contra, against + mandare: see mandate

noun

a command or order canceling another

countermand Synonyms

countermand

v.

rescind, reverse, retract; see cancel 2, revoke.

countermand Usage Examples

Object

  • order: O'Neill bit back a countermanding order and Teal'c fired.
  • change: The CNCC Article had effectively countermanded changes proposed by Northern Clubs.

Modifying Another Word

  • immediately: Sinclair also said that about the Spectrum but immediately countermanded the idea by producing a range of games programs.