countermine

/,kauntəmain/

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Word: Countermine

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Basic Definition: 1. As a noun: A countermine is a tunnel that is dug to stop or defeat similar activities by an enemy, especially in a military context. 2. As a verb: To countermine means to destroy enemy mines using your own mines or to hinder or sabotage operations.

Usage Instructions:

• Noun Usage: Use "countermine" when talking about military strategies involving tunnels.
• Verb Usage: Use "countermine" when discussing actions taken to neutralize enemy threats or sabotage their efforts.

Example Sentences:

• Noun: "During the war, the soldiers dug a countermine to protect their base from enemy tunnels."
• Verb: "They countermined the enemy's operations by planting explosives near their supply routes."

Advanced Usage:

• In military strategy discussions, "countermine" can be used to describe not just the act of digging tunnels but also the broader strategy of undermining an opponent's capabilities.

Word Variants:

• Countermining (noun/verb): The act of carrying out a countermine operation.
• Counterminer (noun): A person who engages in countermining activities.

Different Meanings:

• In broader contexts (not just military), "countermine" can refer to any action taken to neutralize or counteract an opponent's strategy or plans.

Synonyms:

• Noun: Sabotage tunnel, defensive tunnel.
• Verb: Sabotage, neutralize, undermine, destroy.

Related Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "countermine" does not have widely recognized idioms or phrasal verbs directly associated with it, you might encounter phrases like: - "Digging your own grave" – This phrase means to create a situation that will lead to your own downfall, similar to how countermining can prevent enemy success. - "Sabotage efforts" – This phrase refers to actions taken to disrupt or damage an opponent's plans or operations.

Summary:

In summary, "countermine" is a term primarily used in military contexts. As a noun, it refers to a tunnel dug to counter enemy activity, while as a verb, it refers to actions taken to destroy or disrupt enemy mines or operations.

Academic

Noun

1. (military) a tunnel dug to defeat similar activities by the enemy

Verb

1. destroy enemy mines with one's own mines
   • We countermined the banks of the river
2. destroy property or hinder normal operations
   • The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war

Synonyms

• sabotage
• undermine
• counteract
• subvert
• weaken