Countermeasure

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A countermeasure is a measure or action taken to counter or offset another one. As a general concept, it implies precision and is any technological or tactical solution or system designed to prevent an undesirable outcome in the process. The first known use of the term according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary was in 1923,^[1] though Google Books shows a use as early as 1756.^[2]

Countermeasures can refer to the following disciplinary spectrum:

• Medicine
• Materials engineering
• Electro-magnetic engineering
• Policing
• Information technology
• International Law
• Diplomatic security
• Pollution prevention
• Aviation

Defense countermeasures are often divided into "active" and "passive".