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

In March, Hungarian counterterrorism authorities seized two trucks, owned by a Ukrainian bank, that were passing through the country on a routine cash-transport run from Vienna. —Anne Applebaum, The Atlantic, 27 Mar. 2026

This triggered a counterterrorism investigation. —Candace Lukasik, The Conversation, 27 Mar. 2026

While it has not been declared an act of terrorism at this stage, the investigation is now being led by counterterrorism policing, Metropolitan Police Detective Chief Superintendent Luke Williams said. —Yuliya Talmazan, NBC news, 23 Mar. 2026

His research focuses on terrorism, counterterrorism and armed conflict. —Jacob Ware, Twin Cities, 22 Mar. 2026

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