countermand: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal
Quick answer
What does “countermand” mean?
To revoke or cancel a previous order or instruction.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To revoke or cancel a previous order or instruction.
To issue an authoritative command reversing or annulling a previous command, directive, or arrangement.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The word itself is identical in spelling, meaning, and usage in both varieties. The contexts of use (military, legal, administrative) are also the same.
Connotations
The same formal, authoritative connotation applies in both. The act of countermanding implies a hierarchical power structure.
Frequency
Equally uncommon and formal in both British and American English.
Grammar
How to Use “countermand” in a Sentence
SUBJ + countermand + OBJ (order, instruction)SUBJ + countermand + OBJ + with + NEW_ORDERVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “countermand” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The general felt compelled to countermand the colonel's rash order.
- I must countermand my earlier instruction regarding the delivery.
American English
- The governor moved to countermand the health department's mandate.
- Only the president has the authority to countermand that directive.
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form.]
adjective
British English
- [No standard adjectival form. 'Countermanding' is the present participle.]
American English
- [No standard adjectival form. 'Countermanding' is the present participle.]
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Formal; 'The board moved to countermand the CEO's directive on expenditure.'
Academic
Used in historical, political, or legal studies; 'The general's attempt to countermand the emperor's decree led to his dismissal.'
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Found in military, legal, and procedural documentation regarding chains of command and authority.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “countermand”
- Incorrect part of speech (using as a noun: 'He gave a countermand').
- Confusing with 'counteract' (which means to neutralize an effect).
- Misspelling as 'counterman' or 'counter command'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Historically, yes, but it is now exceptionally rare. The modern use is almost exclusively as a transitive verb.
'Countermand' specifically implies canceling an order, instruction, or command issued by someone (often in a hierarchy). 'Cancel' is far more general (cancel a subscription, a meeting, a flight).
No, it is a formal word. In informal contexts, you would use 'cancel', 'call off', 'take back', or 'override' depending on the situation.
Yes, it is a transitive verb. You must countermand *something* (an order, a instruction, a payment).
To revoke or cancel a previous order or instruction.
Countermand: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊntəˈmɑːnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkaʊntərˈmænd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms specifically with 'countermand']”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a COMMAND being COUNTERed by a higher authority. COUNTER + COMMAND = COUNTERMAND.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS HIERARCHICAL OVERRIDE (overriding a previous action is like a superior officer giving a contradictory order).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'countermand' MOST appropriately used?