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
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Since that time, Army engineers have played crucial roles in every U.S. military conflict, from the War of 1812 and the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan and ongoing counterterrorism operations. Robin Roenker, USA Today, 14 June 2025 His history sowed doubt among many U.S. national security officials about what could be accomplished on the counterterrorism front. Daniel Depetris, Chicago Tribune, 10 June 2025 At that point, Israeli forces could mostly remain outside Gaza and thwart any additional threats through ongoing counterterrorism operations, following in part Israel’s existing security concept for the West Bank. Assaf Orion, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025 Since 2006, the Army has been bankrolled and supplied by the West, which has steered it toward counterterrorism operations and initiatives to secure the country’s borders against the smuggling of weapons and other contraband. Rania Abouzeid, New Yorker, 2 June 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 28 Jun. 2025.

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