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

Instead, they had dumped him at the so-called Russia Squad in L.A., a counterespionage unit meant to combat Soviet spying.

From Los Angeles Times

China revised its already sweeping counterespionage law last year to expand the definition of spying and has warned repeatedly in recent months about the dangers of interactions with foreigners.

From New York Times

Changes to China’s counterespionage laws have also broadened the law’s already sweeping definition of what constitutes spying.

From New York Times

FBI Director Christopher Wray said this week that the bureau is using artificial intelligence to boost its counterespionage efforts against Chinese hackers.

From Washington Times