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

The language in the memorandum affirms legitimate counterterrorism work while leaving room to treat political dissent as out of bounds. —Stephanie A, The Conversation, 22 Jan. 2026

Kiefer plays Jack Bauer, a counterterrorism agent who works hard to protect the nation, with each episode centered on a different threat. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 18 Jan. 2026

But its counterterrorism mission mostly overshadowed those forces for the first decade or so. —Nick Miroff, The Atlantic, 17 Jan. 2026

Season 2 brings back key memorable players including Max Beesley as Marsha’s DI boyfriend and Archie Panjabi, not given much to do, as a counterterrorism expert. —Randy Myers, Mercury News, 14 Jan. 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