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

Steven Jensen, an FBI counterterrorism official, also urged caution. — Kaelan Deese, The Washington Examiner, 5 Oct. 2026

Australian police said Sunday that counterterrorism investigators were looking into the attacker's possible connections to Australia. — ABC News, 4 Oct. 2026

Australian police said Sunday that counterterrorism investigators were looking into the attacker’s possible connections to Australia. — Melanie Lidman, Los Angeles Times, 4 Oct. 2026

Earlier Sunday, Israeli troops carried out a large counterterrorism operation in the northern West Bank town of Al-Mughayyir. — Arkansas Online, 21 Sep. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterterrorism

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