equipoise

[ ee-kwuh-poiz, ek-wuh- ]
See synonyms for equipoise on Thesaurus.com
noun
  1. an equal distribution of weight; even balance; equilibrium.

  2. a counterpoise.

verb (used with object),e·qui·poised, e·qui·pois·ing.
  1. to equal or offset in weight; balance.

Origin of equipoise

1
First recorded in 1625–35; equi- + poise1

Words Nearby equipoise

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use equipoise in a sentence

  • Altogether the impression is of a being of mental and moral equipoise, full of energy and noble dignity.

    Greek Sculpture | Estelle M. Hurll
  • Our Constitution stands on a nice equipoise, with steep precipices and deep waters upon all sides of it.

  • The words were not without emotion, and retained their level tone as if by a careful equipoise between imminent extremes.

    Return of the Native | Thomas Hardy
  • On the equipoise of that lady's temper depends to a not inconsiderable extent the comfort of the house.

  • He returned home about midsummer very much improved, but not yet completely restored to a natural mental equipoise.

British Dictionary definitions for equipoise

equipoise

/ (ˈɛkwɪˌpɔɪz) /


noun
  1. even balance of weight or other forces; equilibrium

  2. a counterbalance; counterpoise

verb
  1. (tr) to offset or balance in weight or force; balance

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012