Origin: Latin suffix -ance
Counterbalance has 8 different meanings across 2 categories:
a weight that balances another weight
equality of distribution
a compensating equivalent
A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
adjust for
"engineers will work to correct the effects or air resistance"
contrast with equal weight or force
oppose and mitigate the effects of by contrary actions
"This will counteract the foolish actions of my colleagues"
To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.