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.
France will deploy around 70,000 police and gendarmes nationwide on Saturday, including elite counterterrorism units, as the government seeks to prevent a repeat of last weekend’s widespread rioting and looting that overtook peaceful protests. — Rhonda Richford, Footwear News, 23 Oct. 2026 Albanese announced on Monday that the national counterterrorism team was investigating, incorporating police and intelligence agencies. — ABC News, 20 Oct. 2026 The People’s Armed Police, which organized the forum, is China’s paramilitary force responsible for internal security, riot control and counterterrorism. — Atharva Gosavi, Interesting Engineering, 17 Oct. 2026 The group has links to the Iranian government, according to counterterrorism officers from London’s Metropolitan Police. — Los Angeles Times, 16 Oct. 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 1 Nov. 2026.

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