countermand
UK: /ˌkaʊn.təˈmɑːnd/ | US: /ˌkaʊn.tɚˈmænd/
vt. to revoke or cancel a previously issued order or command
n. an order revoking a previous one
The word "countermand" combines "counter," derived from Latin contra (against), and "mand," from Latin mandare (to order, command). The morpheme "mand" also appears in words like "mandate" and "command." Historically, "countermand" emerged in Late Middle English (15th century) as a legal and military term, reflecting the act of opposing or reversing an authoritative directive. The logic is straightforward: "counter" negates the action of "mand," creating a term for overturning orders.
The general decided to countermand the troops' advance due to bad weather.
A judge may countermand an unjust ruling if new evidence emerges.
The CEO countermanded the policy change after employee protests.
Countermanding the shipment saved the company from significant losses.
Written orders cannot be countermanded verbally under company protocol.