counterbalance

noun

1. (literally)A weight that is put in opposition to an equal weight so it keeps that in balance.
2. (figuratively)A force or influence that balances, checks or limits an opposite one.

verb

1. (transitive)To apply weight in order to balance an opposing weight.

   “Big brother counterbalances his two siblings to the pound.”

   “[…] the remaining Air was not able to counterballance the Mercurial Cylinder, […]”

2. (figuratively, transitive)To match or equal in effect when applying opposing force.

   “Arm wrestling is undecided as long as the opponents counterbalance each other.”

   “The defenders' knowledge of the terrain roughly counterbalances the attackers' superior equipment.”

   “Still, a strong reluctance to re-enter a service from which he had been dismissed with contempt, almost counterbalanced these considerations.”

   “Perhaps her views of life were too morbid, but her companions had enough cheerfulness to counterbalance any undue tinge of sadness given by one who had obviously suffered much.”

   “[…] the study of mind is necessary to counterbalance and correct the influence of the study of matter; […]”