counterspy

American  

[koun-ter-spahy] / ˈkaʊn tərˌspaɪ /

noun

plural

counterspies

1. a spy active in counterespionage.

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counterspy British  

/ ˈkaʊntəˌspaɪ /

noun

1. a spy working against or investigating enemy espionage

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Etymology

Origin of counterspy

First recorded in 1935–40; counter- + spy

Example Sentences

Critics blame the restructuring of CIA counterintelligence after the firing of CIA master counterspy James Angleton in 1975 for the security breaches.

From Washington Times

Technical counterintelligence measures also will be increased, and counterspy forces bolstered.

From Washington Times

The CIA counterspy chief told the commission that “several thousand man-hours” were spent by officials analyzing Nosenko’s information, and key elements of his testimony produced doubts that his defection was legitimate.

From Washington Times

The FBI also is leading an interagency counterspy group called the National Counterintelligence Task Force that seeks to apply “a whole-of-government approach to counterintelligence,” he said.

From Washington Times

Mr. Warner said he has doubts about creating a separate counterspy agency but added that the committee is thoroughly investigating the possibility.

From Washington Times

Related Words

• undercover agent