to countermand
6
9.2
- verb
- /ˈkaʊntərˌmænd/
- Formal
- This order cannot be countermanded.
Examples
-
Countermand that order to fall back.
-
Given that you folks were named as guardians... ...I see no reason to countermand the parents' wishes.
-
You do not countermand me.
-
- You countermand my order?
-
If I must countermand the order, I must.
Fiction book (2000) -
You dare countermand an order of Lord Mayor?
-
If you ever countermand one of my orders again... you will deeply regret it.
-
- I'm countermanding those orders.
-
But to his obvious surprise, Cawfiel immediately countermanded him.
Fiction book (2001) -
The commander decided to countermand the previous order to deploy troops to the front line.
Synonyms
301
1.0
To make a ticket, order, or rule no longer valid
197
2.6
Cancel the effect of an action or decision
184
4.3
To cancel a law or rule so it no longer applies
158
5.6
Officially cancel a decision or law
98
6.2
Officially stop something from being valid, for example a license
65
4.2
To officially end a rule or restriction
52
4.9
To officially cancel a previous decision, especially by a court
48
7.9
Officially cancel a law, order, or agreement
20
6.3
Officially say that a law, contract, or marriage is no longer valid
15
6.6
Cancel an official decision so it is no longer in effect
Antonyms
Surface Forms
Morphology
countermand = command (semi-transparent) = counter + mand
The prefix 'counter-' suggests opposition applied to the concept of a command, but 'mand' is not a standalone English verb form so the relation is only partly transparent.
Etymology
Countermand comes from counter- ('against') and mandare ('to order'), like in command. So to countermand is to give a new 'order against' an earlier one, and that is why it cancels or reverses the first order.