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counterterrorism

American  
[koun-ter-ter-uh-riz-uhm] / ˌkaʊn tərˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

noun

  1. terrorism in reaction to or retaliation for some previous act of terrorism.


counterterrorism British  
/ ˌkaʊntəˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

  1. activities that are intended to prevent terrorist acts or to eradicate terrorist groups

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

  • counterterrorist noun

Etymology

Origin of counterterrorism

First recorded in 1965–70; counter- + terrorism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Ashcroft formally rejected a $50 million FBI request to hire additional counterterrorism agents and intelligence specialists on Sept. 10, the day before the attacks.

From Salon

One avenue being considered is having the Treasury Department’s Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, which enforces the U.S.’s anti-money-laundering and counterterrorism financing laws, collect the information, the people said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Two decades of counterterrorism and the war in Ukraine hold lessons that must now be applied in the Arctic, he said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Details of the investigation were limited but Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department Sheriff Kevin McMahill said during his annual State of the Department address that the incident “looks to have been a credible counterterrorism threat.”

From Los Angeles Times

In her final two years in uniform, Conley served as the director for counterterrorism on the National Security Council staff, where she oversaw security in the 2024 elections.

From Salon