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
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Sebastian Gorka, the senior director for counterterrorism at the National Security Council, said an immediate example would be for other countries to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran attacks commercial shipping. Bart Jansen, USA Today, 6 May 2026 The Administration’s new counterterrorism strategy comes as intelligence experts warn of a volatile and increasingly complex threat environment tied to the war with Iran. Nik Popli, Time, 6 May 2026 As of writing, exactly two months into the Iran war, Gorka’s counterterrorism strategy has yet to appear. Hannah Allam, ProPublica, 4 May 2026 Police declared the attack a terrorist incident and said a counterterrorism probe remains ongoing. Jomana Karadsheh, CNN Money, 1 May 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 7 May. 2026.

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