counterterrorism

noun

coun·​ter·​ter·​ror·​ism ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce counterterrorism (audio)
variants or counter-terrorism
: measures designed to combat or prevent terrorism
an expert in counterterrorism
often used before another noun
a local counterterrorism council
new counter-terrorism policies/measures

Examples of counterterrorism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While economic considerations played a role, these militaries also reorganized to better support UN and NATO peacekeeping and counterterrorism efforts, which focused on light infantry operations. Vikram Mittal, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025 Many of the drones used were MQ-9 Reapers, which are used in counterterrorism operations around the world. Dan Perry, Newsweek, 28 Feb. 2025 Trump’s first term thus saw sustained, sometimes humiliating pressure on allies to raise defense spending, along with efforts to pivot the Pentagon away from counterterrorism and counterinsurgency and toward great-power threats. Hal Brands, Foreign Affairs, 25 Feb. 2025 Israel says this is a counterterrorism operation aimed at strengthening security in the West Bank. Hadeel Al-Shalchi, NPR, 21 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterterrorism

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterterrorism was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Counterterrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterterrorism. Accessed 25 Mar. 2025.

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