counterterrorism
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of counterterrorism
Explanation
Governments use counterterrorism to fight back against violence that threatens civilians. Counterterrorism ranges from military campaigns to policing websites for hate speech. The term counterterrorism adds counter-, or "against," to terrorism, which derives from a Latin root meaning "to tremble." Protecting civilians from violence, or fighting back against groups that have committed terrorist acts, is what counterterrorism aims to do. Police and military forces often have units dedicated to this, and governments enact counterterrorism measures that include airport security, tightening control of finances, and streamlining communication between different countries.
Vocabulary lists containing counterterrorism
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He announced $4 billion in U.S. military sales and a new program to increase information sharing for counterterrorism efforts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 7, 2026
But U.K. counterterrorism police released the men on bail shortly after they were arrested and said they found no explosives in the three white vans the men were driving.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026
Two veteran FBI counterterrorism officials were demoted after investigators determined allegedly harassing calls to a top White House aide’s wife did not warrant further investigation, according to multiple reports.
From Salon ● Sep. 27, 2026
Michael Burgwald, who led counterterrorism operations at the FBI’s Washington Field Office, and his deputy, Courtland Rae, were removed from their leadership positions Friday and reassigned to FBI headquarters.
From Salon ● Sep. 27, 2026
It was closely followed by a chase car with two agents from the DGSI, the French intelligence agency in charge of counterterrorism.
From "City Spies" by James Ponti
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
