Meaning & use
antiterrorism
Last updated
Meanings
adjectivebefore a nounformalspecialist
Relating to actions, laws, or policies meant to prevent or respond to terrorist attacks.
Grammar: Used before a noun, as in 'antiterrorism law'; it is not usually used after a verb.
Patterns
- antiterrorism measures
- antiterrorism law
- antiterrorism policy
The government introduced new antiterrorism measures after the attack.
She works for an antiterrorism unit within the police force.
The antiterrorism law allows authorities to monitor certain communications.
noununcountableformalspecialist
The activity or policy of preventing terrorism.
Grammar: Uncountable; refers to the general effort, not a single act.
Patterns
- fund antiterrorism
- cooperate on antiterrorism
- a specialist in antiterrorism
The two countries agreed to cooperate on antiterrorism.
Antiterrorism has become a major part of the budget.
He wrote his thesis on antiterrorism in the twenty-first century.
Common combinations
- antiterrorism measures
- The airport increased antiterrorism measures during the holiday season.
- antiterrorism law
- The antiterrorism law was criticized for limiting privacy.
- antiterrorism unit
- The antiterrorism unit trains for emergencies involving hostages.
- antiterrorism policy
- The president outlined a new antiterrorism policy in his speech.
Synonyms and how they differ
- counterterrorism
- Often used for active operations against terrorists, while 'antiterrorism' usually stresses preventive steps.
Word family
Commonly confused: antiterrorism or counterterrorism?
antiterrorism vs counterterrorism
Both are related, but 'counterterrorism' often includes offensive operations, while 'antiterrorism' focuses on prevention and protection.
Practice
Which sentence uses 'antiterrorism' correctly?
Choose one answer.
The first option correctly uses 'antiterrorism' as an adjective before a noun. The second wrongly uses it as an adjective for a person's feelings, the third treats it as a plural noun, and the fourth uses it as a verb.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “antiterrorism”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.