counterbalance

Universal Words verb, noun verb [VN] (formal) to have an equal but opposite effect to sth else SYNOFFSET: Parents' natural desire to protect their children should be counterbalanced by the child's need for independence. noun (also counterweight) [usuallysing.] ~ (to sth) a thing that has an equal but opposite effect to sth else and can be used to limit the bad effects of sth: The accused's right to silence was a vital counterbalance to the powers of the police.