counterintelligence

American  

[koun-ter-in-tel-i-juhns] / ˌkaʊn tər ɪnˈtɛl ɪ dʒəns /

noun

1. the activity of an intelligence service employed in thwarting the efforts of an enemy's intelligence agents to gather information or commit sabotage. CI

2. an organization engaged in counterintelligence. CI

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counterintelligence British  

/ ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns /

noun

1. activities designed to frustrate enemy espionage

2. intelligence collected about enemy espionage

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Etymology

Origin of counterintelligence

First recorded in 1935–40; counter- + intelligence

Example Sentences

“If you threaten the workforce with dismissal, you are going to kill initiative,” said Frank Montoya, a longtime FBI counterintelligence agent who retired from the bureau in 2016.

From The Wall Street Journal

A blowup of the film found inside the coin arrived at the desk of Robert Lamphere, an FBI counterintelligence agent in Washington, D.C.

From Literature

The man appeared in court this week and was detained without bail while a pre-trial investigation was being conducted by the SBU with support from counterintelligence units.

From BBC

Intelligence operatives working with Cuban counterintelligence agents reward those who betray conspirators with jobs, money, cars and even homes, said Edward Rodríguez, a former army colonel who fled Venezuela and lives in exile.

From The Wall Street Journal

Frank Figliuzzi, a former assistant director for counterintelligence at the FBI, reiterated in an X post what the agency said in its statement.

From Seattle Times