counterespionage

American  

[koun-ter-es-pee-uh-nahzh, -nij] / ˌkaʊn tərˈɛs pi əˌnɑʒ, -nɪdʒ /

noun

1. the detection and frustration of enemy espionage.

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counterespionage British  

/ ˌkaʊntərˈɛspɪəˌnɑːʒ /

noun

1. activities designed to detect and counteract enemy espionage

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Etymology

Origin of counterespionage

First recorded in 1895–1900; counter- + espionage

Example Sentences

The employee filed the complaint with the division director, Robert Turner, a 22-year veteran of the bureau who previously held roles in counterterrorism and counterespionage.

From Salon • Nov. 18, 2025

Instead, they had dumped him at the so-called Russia Squad in L.A., a counterespionage unit meant to combat Soviet spying.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 23, 2025

U.S. officials say they also expect Yellen to raise concerns about the impact of China's new counterespionage law on U.S. firms, and to warn Beijing about the consequences of supplying lethal aid to Russia.

From Reuters • Jul. 7, 2023

A new Chinese counterespionage law poses risks to Americans and U.S. companies doing business in China, according to a security alert from a U.S. counterintelligence agency.

From Washington Times • Jul. 5, 2023

Meanwhile, Cluny the Scourge made his own counterespionage moves.

From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques