counterintelligence

[koun-ter-in-tel-i-juhns]

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

counterintelligence

/ ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns /

noun

1. activities designed to frustrate enemy espionage

2. intelligence collected about enemy espionage

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterintelligence¹

First recorded in 1935–40; counter- + intelligence

Example Sentences

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.

Read more on 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.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Alternatively, O’Neill explains that secret government counterintelligence programs at the time were intent on discrediting left-wing political movements such as the Black Panthers.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

The sticks are kidnapping and torture of those suspected of disloyalty by Venezuelan and Cuban counterintelligence agents.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

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

Read more on Seattle Times