counterweight
UK: /ˈkaʊntəweɪt/ | US: /ˈkaʊntərweɪt/
n. a weight used to balance another weight
vt. to act as a balancing force against something
The word "counterweight" combines "counter," derived from Latin contra (meaning "against"), and "weight," from Old English wiht (meaning "mass" or "load"). It emerged in the 17th century to describe a balancing mechanism, reflecting the literal and metaphorical idea of opposition or equilibrium. The morphemes preserve their original spellings while clearly conveying the word's function—a weight acting against another.
The crane uses a heavy counterweight to stabilize its arm.
Her calm demeanor served as a counterweight to his anxiety.
Engineers installed a counterweight to prevent the bridge from tilting.
In politics, checks and balances act as a counterweight to power.
The counterweight system ensures the elevator operates smoothly.