Countermand Meaning in English
word
Definition
To officially cancel or reverse a previous order or command, often by giving a new order that disagrees with the first.
Usage & Nuances
Formal verb, used mostly in military, legal, or official contexts. Common collocations: 'countermand an order', 'countermand a command'. Rare in casual speech. Not interchangeable with 'cancel' in all situations; 'countermand' always involves reversing an explicit previous order.
Example Sentences
The general decided to countermand the attack order.
basic
Please countermand your last instruction.
basic
A manager can countermand an employee’s order if needed.
basic
The supervisor countermanded the shipment right before it left the warehouse.
natural
The politician’s spokesperson had to countermand the previous statement after a mistake was found.
natural
After new information came in, the commander quickly countermanded his original orders.
natural