counterterrorism

noun

coun·​ter·​ter·​ror·​ism ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm 

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

Wright’s thorough investigation into the lives of the 9/11 hijackers and ringleader Osama bin Laden reveals a web of religious, financial and political alliances running up against U.S. counterterrorism activities that often stoked further anger. —Los Angeles Times, 14 Apr. 2025

Ian Mitch is a senior policy researcher at RAND, where his research focuses on homeland security, irregular warfare, and counterterrorism. —David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025

Rubio's statement described the removals to El Salvador the result of a counterterrorism operation and thanked that country’s President Nayib Bukele. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 31 Mar. 2025

Lonergan insisted that anyone with a genuine track record in intelligence or defense who leads either military or civilian counterterrorism operations would realize the grave risks in airing any type of covert or battlefield intelligence. —John Scott Lewinski, The Washington Examiner, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterterrorism

• absolutism
• adventurism
• aestheticism
• africanism
• agnosticism
• alcoholism
• anabolism
• anachronism
• anglicanism
• antagonism
• arianism
• asceticism