Definition of countermand

< counterman

countermarch >

coun·ter·mand    (kountr-mnd, kountr-mnd) KEY 

TRANSITIVE VERB:
coun·ter·mand·ed, coun·ter·mand·ing, coun·ter·mands

1. To cancel or reverse (a previously issued command or order).
2. To recall by a contrary order: countermanded the air strikes.

NOUN:
(kountr-mnd)

1. An order or command reversing another one.
2. Cancellation of an order or command.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English countremaunden, from Old French contremander : contre-, counter- + mander, to command (from Latin mandre; see man-² in Indo-European roots)