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.
Cait Conley, an Army veteran who ran counterterrorism in the Biden administration, will face Rep. Mike Lawler, a vulnerable Republican, in New York’s Hudson Valley.
From Slate ● Jun. 24, 2026
Pakistan found a way to cooperate with the U.S. on counterterrorism and promised Americans access to critical minerals.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 17, 2026
The program allows US intelligence agencies to collect communications of foreign targets overseas without a warrant, and officials say it is central to counterterrorism and other national security work.
From Barron's ● Jun. 11, 2026
Erroll Southers has faced criticism for an increase in police shootings during his tenure on the commission, and for his past counterterrorism studies in Israel.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 6, 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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
