contrarrestar
verbCEFR B2
What does “contrarrestar” mean in English?
to counter, to neutralise
to counter, to neutralise (to offset or cancel out the effects of something; contrarrestar los efectos de)
Example sentences
El gobierno ha adoptado medidas fiscales para contrarrestar los efectos de la inflación sobre los hogares más vulnerables.
The government has adopted fiscal measures to counter the effects of inflation on the most vulnerable households.
La compañía invirtió en innovación para contrarrestar la ventaja competitiva que tenían sus rivales.
The company invested in innovation to counter the competitive advantage its rivals had.
Las vacunas ayudan a contrarrestar la propagación de enfermedades infecciosas en comunidades vulnerables.
Vaccines help to counter the spread of infectious diseases in vulnerable communities.
How to use it
Contrarrestar means 'to counter' or 'to offset' — taking active steps to neutralise an adverse force or effect. The core frame is contrarrestar + direct object (los efectos de, la influencia de, la ventaja de). It implies an intentional response, not mere opposition. Unlike compensar (balance out passively) or combatir (fight), contrarrestar focuses on neutralising a specific negative force.
Common mistake
Don't confuse contrarrestar with contraatacar (counter-attack, implying physical or aggressive retaliation) or compensar (compensate/balance). Contrarrestar is the precise B2 term for neutralising an adverse effect through measured action. No preposition follows: contrarrestar los efectos (not *contrarrestar a los efectos).