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 nouna local counterterrorism council
new counter-terrorism policies/measures
Examples of counterterrorism in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
In 2014, counterterrorism agencies flagged Twitter as a hub for ISIS, the jihadist militant group.
—
Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
In the decades since, multiple presidents have relied on that congressional mandate to justify a grab bag of military counterterrorism activities, including the detention of people who had not been convicted of a crime at Guantanamo Bay and the secret wiretapping of Americans.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Reid insisted her husband was innocent, after London counterterrorism authorities alleged the suspects assisted China’s foreign intelligence service in violation of the National Security Act of 2023.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
His administration has also carried out multiple counterterrorism operations in Iraq against the Islamic State terrorist group, killing its second-in-command last March.
—Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterterrorism
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Natalie Eilbert, jsonline.com, 5 Mar. 2026
In the decades since, multiple presidents have relied on that congressional mandate to justify a grab bag of military counterterrorism activities, including the detention of people who had not been convicted of a crime at Guantanamo Bay and the secret wiretapping of Americans.
—Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 4 Mar. 2026
Reid insisted her husband was innocent, after London counterterrorism authorities alleged the suspects assisted China’s foreign intelligence service in violation of the National Security Act of 2023.
—Emily Hallas, The Washington Examiner, 4 Mar. 2026
His administration has also carried out multiple counterterrorism operations in Iraq against the Islamic State terrorist group, killing its second-in-command last March.
—Matt Nighswander, NBC news, 3 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for counterterrorism
Cite this Entry
“Counterterrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterterrorism. Accessed 9 Mar. 2026.
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