counterterrorism

noun

coun·​ter·​ter·​ror·​ism ˌkau̇n-tər-ˈter-ər-ˌi-zəm How to pronounce counterterrorism (audio)
variants or counter-terrorism
: measures designed to combat or prevent terrorism
an expert in counterterrorism
—often used before another noun
a local counterterrorism council
new counter-terrorism policies/measures

Examples of counterterrorism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
No staffers have been removed from the counterterrorism group. — Jennifer Jacobs, CBS News, 23 June 2026 The department will also deploy counterterrorism resources, explosive detection K-9s, bomb squad personnel and heavy weapons teams, along with plain clothes officers and a harbor unit for the waterways. — Anthony Izaguirre, Fortune, 2 July 2026 The department will also deploy counterterrorism resources, explosive detection K-9s, bomb squad personnel and heavy weapons teams, along with plain clothes officers and a harbor unit for the waterways. — ABC News, 1 July 2026 Helen Flanagan, the current head of the Metropolitan Police’s counterterrorism team. — Emma Burrows, Los Angeles Times, 19 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for counterterrorism

Word History

First Known Use

1864, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of counterterrorism was in 1864

Rhymes for counterterrorism

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Browse Nearby Words

counterterror
counterterrorism
counterterrorist
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Cite this Entry

“Counterterrorism.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/counterterrorism. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on counterterrorism

Nglish: Translation of counterterrorism for Spanish Speakers

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