COUNTERMINE

countermine

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

countermine

(verb) destroy enemy mines with one’s own mines; “We countermined the banks of the river”

sabotage, undermine, countermine, counteract, subvert, weaken

(verb) destroy property or hinder normal operations; “The Resistance sabotaged railroad operations during the war”

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

countermine (plural countermines)

A mine used by defenders to intercept an enemy mine or tunnel.

An underground gallery excavated to intercept and destroy the mining of an enemy.

A stratagem or plot by which another stratagem or project is defeated.

Verb

countermine (third-person singular simple present countermines, present participle countermining, simple past and past participle countermined)

To plot opposition; to frustrate the initiatives of another.

(transitive, intransitive) to sap hostile mining.

Synonyms

• (to plot opposition): counterplot

Source: Wiktionary

Coun"ter*mine` (koun"tr-mn`), n. Etym: [Counter- + mine underground gallery: cf. F. contermine.]

1. (Mil.)

Definition: An underground gallery excavated to intercept and destroy the mining of an enemy.

2. A stratagem or plot by which another sratagem or project is defeated. Thinking himself contemned, knowing no countermine against contempt but terror. Sir P. Sidney.

Coun`ter*mine" (koun`tr-mn"), v. t. Etym: [Cf. F. contreminer.] [imp. & p. p. Countermined; p. pr. & vb. n. Countermining.]

1. (Mil.)

Definition: To oppose by means or a countermine; to intercept with a countermine.

2. To frustrate or counteract by secret measures.

Coun`ter*mine", v. i.

Definition: To make a countermine or counterplot; to plot secretly. 'Tis hard for man to countermine with God. Chapman.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition