Editing Countermeasure (section)

{{about|general concept of countermeasure|information security or cyberspace security countermeasures|Countermeasure (computer)|the 1974 [[Soviet Union]] film|Countermeasure (film)}}
{{Short description|Action taken to offset another one}}
{{refimprove|date=January 2013}}

[[File:Ávila 24-8-2002.jpg|thumb|Fortification, a passive countermeasure]]
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.<ref>{{cite web |title=Merriam-Webster definition for countermeasure | website=Merriam Webster | url= http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/countermeasure | access-date=2023-12-09}}</ref>

Countermeasures can refer to the following disciplinary spectrum:
* Medicine
* Materials engineering
* Electro-magnetic engineering
* Policing
* Information technology
* [[Countermeasure (law)|International Law]]
* [[Diplomatics|Diplomatic]] security
* Pollution prevention
* Aviation

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