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

All Afghans who came to the US after the fall of Kabul have been subject to security screenings by intelligence, law enforcement and counterterrorism professionals. —Lex Harvey, CNN Money, 27 Nov. 2025

Citing unnamed sources and a former counterterrorism investigator, writers for City Journal, a publication of the Manhattan Institute, claim that some money sent back from Minnesota to Somalia through informal networks likely would have benefited the group, which controls large swaths of Somalia. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 25 Nov. 2025

There are 6,500 military personnel deployed across Africa, primarily focused on counterterrorism missions. —Anne Flaherty, ABC News, 20 Nov. 2025

Coordinated counterterrorism raids across Europe have uncovered what Israeli authorities describe as a significant Hamas network preparing attacks against Israeli and Jewish civilians. —Efrat Lachter, FOXNews.com, 20 Nov. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterterrorism

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