counterterrorism

[ koun-ter-ter-uh-riz-uhm ]

noun

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

counterterrorism

/ ˌkaʊntəˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm /

noun

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

Derived Forms

• ˌcounterˈterrorist, adjective

Other Words From

• counter·terror·ist noun adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterterrorism¹

First recorded in 1965–70; counter- + terrorism

Example Sentences

Having more of a plan for how we were going to deal with counterterrorism threats from over the horizon.

From Freakonomics

The reality though is that successful counterterrorism is almost always the result of rapid detection and rapid response.

From Ozy

“I tend to look at this letter as a person puffing themself up,” said Jason Blazakis, a former senior counterterrorism official at the Department of State.

From ProPublica

In congressional hearings in recent years, counterterrorism specialists and other witnesses told lawmakers the federal government needs more data on domestic terrorism to understand how to address the rising violence.

From Washington Post

Extremists who lurk online and are unaffiliated with a group pose special challenges for law enforcement because they leave few clues about their intentions and targets, counterterrorism officials and researchers said in interviews.

From Washington Post