to counteract
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to counteract
To actively work against a negative development, a force, or an influence in order to weaken or prevent its effect.
Die Zentralbank versucht, der steigenden Inflation mit Zinserhöhungen entgegenzuwirken.
The central bank is trying to counteract rising inflation with interest rate increases.
'Entgegenwirken' (to counteract) is a separable verb. In main clauses, the prefix 'entgegen' comes at the end of the sentence. In subordinate clauses and in the infinitive with 'zu', the verb stays together.
Die Regierung wirkt der Krise mit neuen Maßnahmen entgegen.
The government is counteracting the crisis with new measures.
This verb is always used with the dative. You counteract 'etwas' (something) or 'jemandem' (someone). The thing you are working against is in the dative.
Wir müssen dem Klimawandel aktiv entgegenwirken.
We must actively counteract climate change.
The word consists of the preposition 'entgegen' (against/toward) and the verb 'wirken' (to have an effect). So it literally means to exert an effect against something.
Um der Müdigkeit entgegenzuwirken, trank er einen starken Kaffee.
To counteract his tiredness, he drank a strong coffee.
to support
'unterstützen' and 'entgegenwirken' are clear opposites here. When you support something, you help an idea, a plan, or a development and want it to become stronger or succeed. When you counteract something, you actively work against it so that a development becomes weaker or does not happen. So 'unterstützen' fits agreement and help. 'entgegenwirken' fits especially when you want to stop or reduce a negative effect.
Die Schule startet ein Projekt, das Gewalt auf dem Pausenhof entgegenwirkt.
The school is starting a project that counteracts violence in the playground.
Wir unterstützen den Vorschlag, weil er die Zusammenarbeit im Team verbessert.
We support the proposal because it improves teamwork.