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

Continue reading … 'IMMEDIATELY' — Former counterterrorism chief who quit over Iran war urges US withdrawal from region. — FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

The Justice Department has built task forces staffed by counterterrorism prosecutors. — Melinda Haas, The Conversation, 17 July 2026

In March, Ben Saul, UN special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, condemned both US and Iranian threats to target civilian energy infrastructure. — Billy Stockwell, CNN Money, 15 July 2026

Uganda has been a source of stability in a volatile region, but intensifying authoritarianism warrants a review of the United States’ relationship with one of its most important security and counterterrorism partners in East Africa. — Editorial Board, Washington Post, 13 July 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