forbidden words — discussion of federal policies: countering terrorism
discussion of federal policies: countering terrorism
from U.S. Department of State Policy Issues: countering Terrorism
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Countering Terrorism
Terrorist groups such as ISIS, al-Qa’ida, and Hizballah continue to plot attacks against the United States and our allies and partners. As the threats posed by these organizations continue to evolve, the Department of State works to build global consensus to degrade and defeat these adversaries. Through a combination of diplomatic engagement and foreign assistance, the Department works with foreign government partners to build the capabilities necessary to prevent, degrade, detect, and respond to terrorist threats. This includes efforts to strengthen law enforcement and judicial capabilities, expand aviation and border security, deepen global information sharing, counter terrorist financing, improve crisis response, and counter violent extremism. Through its global engagement, the State Department promotes greater burden sharing to address terrorist threats and encourages countries to build counterterrorism capacity in their own regions. The State Department also works closely with the Departments of Defense, Homeland Security, Justice, Treasury, and the Intelligence Community to lead an integrated whole-of-government approach to international counterterrorism.
Read more about what specific bureaus are doing to support this policy issue:
Bureau of Counterterrorism (CT): CT promotes U.S. national security by leading the effort to defeat terrorism abroad through coordinated strategies and approaches with the cooperation of international partners. Read more about CT
from — Countering Terrorism – United States Department of State. (2023, December 1). United States Department of State.
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counter
counter, verb
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respond to hostile speech or action.““What would you like me to do about it?” she countered”Similar:parryhit back atanswerrespond toretort tocontradictnegateward offfend offstave offdeflectrebuffrebutrepelrepulsehold at baycombatfightattacktackleconfrontstand up toput up a fight againstopposeresistdisputeargue againstcounteractshoot full of holesblow sky highgainsaycontrovertconfutenegative
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Boxinggive a return blow while parrying.“he countered with a left hook”
terrorism
terrorism, noun
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the unlawful use of violence or threats to intimidate or coerce a civilian population or government, with the goal of furthering political, social, or ideological objectives.
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the state of fear and submission produced by terrorism.
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a terrorist method of governing or of resisting a government.
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intimidation or coercion by instilling fear.
For many children, terrorism at school is a fact of life, even with antibullying policies in place.
Cultural
Acts of violence committed by groups that view themselves as victimized by some notable historical wrong. Although these groups have no formal connection with governments, they usually have the financial and moral backing of sympathetic governments. Typically, they stage unexpected attacks on civilian targets, including embassies and airliners, with the aim of sowing fear and confusion. Israel has been a frequent target of terrorism, but the United States has increasingly become its main target. (See also September 11 attacks, Osama bin Laden, Hezbollah, and Basque region.)
Usage
There is some consistency in the various definitions of terrorism adopted by U.S. government departments, agencies, and organizations, and by other Western democracies. It is generally agreed that terrorism, even against a very small segment of a civilian population, always involves a broader threat meant to instill fear in a larger community, thus requiring a response from the government. However, since September 11, 2001, the question of what actually constitutes a terrorist act has been the focus of emotionally and politically charged debates. Violent acts by white extremists have often been categorized as hate crimes, whereas similar acts by Muslims and Black people have been categorized as terrorism. The categorization often hinges on whether the perpetrators are tied to an organized group.
Other Word Forms
- antiterrorism adjective
Etymology
Origin of terrorism
First recorded in 1785–95; terror + -ism
from — Definition of terrorism. (n.d.).
Hudson Valley, New York
image: poverty is terrorism © Holly Troy 2026
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from — Connelly, E. A. (2025, December 22). Federal Government’s Growing Banned Words List Is Chilling Act of Censorship. PEN America.
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What’s important in / countering terrorism / is shutting down ICE
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