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
Earlier in the week Australia’s public broadcaster ABC reported that Australian counterterrorism officials believed the men underwent military-style training while in the Philippines.
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Jinky Jorgio, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
Nathan Sales, a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and former State Department counterterrorism coordinator, said the administration views regional diplomacy primarily through the lens of countering Tehran.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
The administration cited national security, counterterrorism objectives and a lack of information from foreign governments as reasons for the expansion.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
The size of the exodus of top officers meant that some of those who replaced the generals lacked the background and contacts to plan, coordinate, and execute effective counterdrug and counterterrorism operations as successfully as previous military leadership.
—Kevin Whitaker, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterterrorism
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Jinky Jorgio, CNN Money, 18 Dec. 2025
Nathan Sales, a distinguished fellow at the Atlantic Council and former State Department counterterrorism coordinator, said the administration views regional diplomacy primarily through the lens of countering Tehran.
—Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 17 Dec. 2025
The administration cited national security, counterterrorism objectives and a lack of information from foreign governments as reasons for the expansion.
—Zach Wichter, USA Today, 16 Dec. 2025
The size of the exodus of top officers meant that some of those who replaced the generals lacked the background and contacts to plan, coordinate, and execute effective counterdrug and counterterrorism operations as successfully as previous military leadership.
—Kevin Whitaker, Foreign Affairs, 15 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for counterterrorism
Cite this Entry
“Counterterrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterterrorism. Accessed 21 Dec. 2025.
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