counterterrorism

noun

coun·​ter·​ter·​ror·​ism ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce counterterrorism (audio)
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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Skyborne Technologies announced that CODiAQ is being delivered to select US government partners for testing in different mission situations, such as irregular warfare and counterterrorism. Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 15 Oct. 2025 Secretary Clinton discussed ways to deepen counterterrorism cooperation, particularly in the fight against ISIS. Dan Gooding, MSNBC Newsweek, 13 Oct. 2025 Mali’s military leadership, which came to power in a 2021 coup, has overseen a dramatic shift in domestic policy, from being a major counterterrorism partner of France to expelling French troops and instead turning to Russia for security assistance. CNN Money, 13 Oct. 2025 The law has defined counterterrorism policy for decades and served as the legal backdrop of policies like torture, detentions at Guantanamo Bay and warrantless surveillance programs. Cybele Mayes-Osterman, USA Today, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for counterterrorism

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterterrorism was in 1864

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Cite this Entry

“Counterterrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterterrorism. Accessed 21 Oct. 2025.

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