Countermand

/ˈkaʊntərmænd/
verb

To cancel or revoke a command, order, or decision.

The manager had to countermand the orders previously given to the staff.
Visual representation of "countermand" - To cancel or revoke a command, order, or decision.

Often appears as...

  • countermand an order
  • countermand a decision

Usage tips

Formal

verb

To cancel or revoke a command, order, or decision.

The manager had to countermand the orders previously given to the staff.
Visual representation of "countermand" - To cancel or revoke a command, order, or decision.

Often appears as...

  • countermand an order
  • countermand a decision

Usage tips

Formal

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "countermand"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Authority Required

Use 'countermand' when someone with authority cancels an action or rule made previously.

Illustration for Authority Required
The principal can countermand any school policy changes made by a teacher.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Informal

'Countermand' is formal, often found in legal, military, or business contexts, not common in casual conversation.

Illustration for Not Informal
The general will countermand any retreat orders if new intelligence is received.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Implies Conflicting Orders

Using 'countermand' suggests there were previous instructions that are now being changed or nullified.

Illustration for Implies Conflicting Orders
The CEO countermanded the directive to work weekends following employee feedback.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Authority Required

Use 'countermand' when someone with authority cancels an action or rule made previously.

Illustration for Authority Required
The principal can countermand any school policy changes made by a teacher.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Informal

'Countermand' is formal, often found in legal, military, or business contexts, not common in casual conversation.

Illustration for Not Informal
The general will countermand any retreat orders if new intelligence is received.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Implies Conflicting Orders

Using 'countermand' suggests there were previous instructions that are now being changed or nullified.

Illustration for Implies Conflicting Orders
The CEO countermanded the directive to work weekends following employee feedback.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Authority Required

Use 'countermand' when someone with authority cancels an action or rule made previously.

Illustration for Authority Required
The principal can countermand any school policy changes made by a teacher.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Not Informal

'Countermand' is formal, often found in legal, military, or business contexts, not common in casual conversation.

Illustration for Not Informal
The general will countermand any retreat orders if new intelligence is received.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Implies Conflicting Orders

Using 'countermand' suggests there were previous instructions that are now being changed or nullified.

Illustration for Implies Conflicting Orders
The CEO countermanded the directive to work weekends following employee feedback.
Visual representation of the word "Countermand"

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Video examples

A day in the life of an...

a ship with orders to carry out the first resolution was dispatched the previous day. And so another ship quickly sets sail to countermand the order – a race of democracy against time.

Video examples

A day in the life of an...

a ship with orders to carry out the first resolution was dispatched the previous day. And so another ship quickly sets sail to countermand the order – a race of democracy against time.

Example 1 of 1
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