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

Months ago, as ABC News has previously reported, the FBI directed agents from around the country, many of them working on counterterrorism and cyber issues, to focus instead on helping DHS conduct immigration enforcement operations. —Bill Hutchinson, ABC News, 25 June 2025

After 9/11, the United States built a far-reaching homeland-security apparatus focused on counterterrorism. —Thomas Wright, The Atlantic, 19 June 2025

At the time, defense leaders predicted the pullout would endanger counterterrorism efforts in an important regional foothold. —Ellen Mitchell, The Hill, 30 May 2025

Since that time, Army engineers have played crucial roles in every U.S. military conflict, from the War of 1812 and the Civil War to the war in Afghanistan and ongoing counterterrorism operations. —Robin Roenker, USA Today, 14 June 2025

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