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.
The report, finished months before Metra officials released it publicly, raised concerns about training, counterterrorism efforts and commitment to passenger safety, and raised questions about the effectiveness of Metra’s police force at that time. Sarah Freishtat, Chicago Tribune, 24 Feb. 2025 Riggi also served in FBI counterterrorism roles before joining the AHA. Kevin Williams, CNBC, 23 Feb. 2025 In his post on Friday, Mr. Trump again praised General Caine’s counterterrorism skills. Eric Schmitt, New York Times, 23 Feb. 2025 In 2017, Patel was special counsel on counterterrorism at the House Intelligence Committee, and then worked as a senior committee aide to its then-chairman, former Rep. Devin Nunes, and as senior counsel at the House Reform and Oversight Committee. Melissa Quinn, CBS News, 20 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 9 Mar. 2025.

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