'counter' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'contre', where Latin 'contra' meant 'against'.

'counter' changed from Old French 'contre' into Middle English forms such as 'countre' or 'contre' and eventually became the modern English word 'counter'. (Note: a different English word 'counter' meaning a counting surface or device is historically connected to Old French 'comptoir'/'conter' and Latin 'computare', and has converged in form with the 'against' sense.)

Initially, it meant 'against' or 'opposite', and over time it evolved into current senses including 'to oppose or respond to' and, in a separate development, 'a surface or device for counting/serving'.