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.
MQ-9s are easier to knock out of the sky because they were designed for counterterrorism environments where there's little to no air defense, not for countries with modern missile systems. CBS News, 1 Apr. 2026 Earlier this month, Hungarian counterterrorism authorities detained a group of Ukrainians carrying about $82 million in cash and gold in armored vehicles from Austria to Ukraine. Isaac Stanley-Becker, The Atlantic, 31 Mar. 2026 As a former senior counterterrorism official and military veteran, Kent’s public break with the administration—and his direct appeal to voters—adds weight to a broader debate inside the GOP about escalation, war powers, and the political risks of another prolonged Middle East conflict. Steve Mollman, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Mar. 2026 Meanwhile, Ben Saul, UN special rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, has condemned both US and Iranian threats to target civilian energy infrastructure. Mustafa Qadri, CNN Money, 30 Mar. 2026 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 5 Apr. 2026.

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