View synonyms for countermand

countermand

[ verb koun-ter-mand, -mahnd, koun-ter-mand, -mahnd; noun koun-ter-mand, -mahnd ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

verb (used with object)

to revoke or cancel (a command, order, etc.).
Synonyms: recall, overrule, abrogate, rescind
to recall or stop by a contrary order.

noun

a command, order, etc., revoking a previous one.

countermand

verb

to revoke or cancel (a command, order, etc)
to order (forces, etc) to return or retreat; recall

noun

a command revoking another

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Other Words From

counter·manda·ble adjective
uncoun·ter·manda·ble adjective
uncoun·ter·manded adjective

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Word History and Origins

Origin of countermand¹

1375–1425; late Middle English countermaunden < Anglo-French countermander < Middle French contremander, equivalent to contre- counter- + mander to command < Latin mandāre; mandate

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Word History and Origins

Origin of countermand¹

C15: from Old French contremander, from contre- counter- + mander to command, from Latin mandāre; see mandate

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Example Sentences

It was too late to countermand the motor, which put up several miles away.

From Project Gutenberg

I will countermand the order for an immediate attack; that will give me time to arrange.

From Project Gutenberg

Then he had to be told how it was, and he hurried back into the house to countermand the order for the physician.

From Project Gutenberg

Unless something is done about it shall countermand religious services.

From Project Gutenberg

She decided in the absence of both to indulge in a rest, and sent Peter to countermand the carriage.

From Project Gutenberg

counterman countermarch

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