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

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 • Apr. 23, 2025

Last month, the National Counterintelligence and Security Center warned American businesses that new Chinese laws, including a counterespionage law that went into effect July 1, posed risks to U.S. companies doing business in China.

From Washington Times • Jul. 24, 2023

U.S. officials say they also expect Yellen to raise concerns about the impact of China's new counterespionage law on U.S. firms, and to warn Beijing about the consequences of supplying lethal aid to Russia.

From Reuters • Jul. 7, 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