counterespionage

American  

[koun-ter-es-pee-uh-nahzh, -nij] / ˌkaʊn tərˈɛs pi əˌnɑʒ, -nɪdʒ /

noun

1. the detection and frustration of enemy espionage.

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counterespionage British  

/ ˌkaʊntərˈɛspɪəˌnɑːʒ /

noun

1. activities designed to detect and counteract enemy espionage

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Etymology

Origin of counterespionage

First recorded in 1895–1900; counter- + espionage

Example Sentences

The employee filed the complaint with the division director, Robert Turner, a 22-year veteran of the bureau who previously held roles in counterterrorism and counterespionage.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2025

L.A. was considered a small stage for spycraft, and members of the counterespionage squad “weren’t superstars like the agents in San Francisco and New York and Washington.”

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

Raimondo has said U.S. firms faced new challenges, among them unexplained large fines, raids on businesses and changes to a counterespionage law.

From Reuters • Sep. 3, 2023

Under the law, foreign nationals also can be blocked from leaving the country during counterespionage investigations.

From Washington Times • Jul. 5, 2023

Blake's handlers inside the KGB went to great lengths to shield him from MI6's counterespionage teams, who were always on the lookout for traitors and double agents within their ranks.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau