释义 |
▪ I. ˈcounterˌwork, n. [counter- 3, 13.] 1. gen. Any work intended to oppose or counteract another work; opposing work or operation.
1598Florio, Contraoperatione, a counterworke, a contrarie operation. 1846Trench Mirac. Introd. (1862) 23 Side by side with the miracles..runs another line of wonders, counterworks of his who is ever the ape of the Most High. 1871Tylor Prim. Cult. II. 297 The history of good and evil..is the history of his work and her counterwork. 2. Mil. A work raised in opposition to those of the enemy.
1650Cromwell Let. 2 Apr. (Carlyle), The enemy had made two retrenchments or counter-works, strongly palisadoed. 1704Lond. Gaz. No. 4077/2 We are preparing a Counter-work, from whence we may beat them from the Breach. 1836Thirlwall Greece III. xxv. 411 The whole army proceeded..to the counterwork. fig.a1734North Exam. iii. vi. §49. 459 If any Good was done, they might erect some Counterworks to prevent its Effect. ▪ II. counterwork, v.|ˌkaʊntəˈwɜːk| Pa. tense and pple. -wrought or -worked. [counter- 1.] 1. intr. To work in opposition, or with contrary intent.
1602Warner Alb. Eng. x. lix. (1612) 258 Whereto amaiz'd she counter-works, nor would for ought relent. 1683Chalkhill Thealma & Cl. 37 And now Philemon 'gan to guess their ends And counterworks t' oppose them. 1877E. R. Conder Bas. Faith ii. 53 Two divers sets of causes are ever interworking and counterworking in the tangled web of human affairs. 2. trans. To work against or in opposition to; to oppose by contrary operations; to counteract, frustrate.
1628Pym Addr. in Rushw. Hist. Coll. (1659) I. 596 By this means they [commonwealths] repair the breaches, and counterwork the ordinary and natural effects of time. c1678J. B. in G. Hickes Spir. Popery 75 After the Lord hath counter-wrought these Enemies. 1762Hume Hist. Eng. (1806) IV. l. 36 To counterwork the amorous projects of his rival. 1848Macaulay Hist. Eng. II. 635 He could not actively counterwork the regent. 1875Poste Gaius iv. (ed. 2) 598 A colliding right of the defendant, whereby the right of the plaintiff is..counter worked or restrained from operation. †3. Mil. (See quot.) Obs.
1706Phillips (ed. Kersey), To Counter-work, (in the Art of War) is to raise Works, in order to oppose and ruin those of the Enemy. |