counterterrorism

[ koun-ter-ter-uh-riz-uh m ]

/ ˌkaʊn tərˈtɛr əˌrɪz əm /

noun

terrorism in reaction to or retaliation for some previous act of terrorism.

Nearby words

counterstroke, countersubject, countersue, countersuit, countertenor, counterterrorism, countertop, countertraction, countertrade, countertransference, counterturn

Origin of counterterrorism

First recorded in 1965–70; counter- + terrorism

Related formscoun·ter·ter·ror·ist, noun, adjective

Can be confusedantiterrorism counterterrorism

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for counterterrorism

counterterrorism

/ (ˌkaʊntəˈtɛrəˌrɪzəm) /

noun

activities that are intended to prevent terrorist acts or to eradicate terrorist groups

Derived Formscounterterrorist, adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012