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

Albanese announced on Monday that the national counterterrorism team was investigating, incorporating police and intelligence agencies. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026

The People’s Armed Police, which organized the forum, is China’s paramilitary force responsible for internal security, riot control and counterterrorism. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026

The group has links to the Iranian government, according to counterterrorism officers from London’s Metropolitan Police. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 2026

The group has links to the Iranian government, according to London's counterterrorism police unit. — October 16, CBS News, 16 Oct. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for counterterrorism

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