counterintelligence

[ koun-ter-in-tel-i-juhns ]

noun

1. the activity of an intelligence service employed in thwarting the efforts of an enemy's intelligence agents to gather information or commit sabotage. : CI
2. an organization engaged in counterintelligence. : CI

counterintelligence

/ ˌkaʊntərɪnˈtɛlɪdʒəns /

noun

1. activities designed to frustrate enemy espionage
2. intelligence collected about enemy espionage

Word History and Origins

Origin of counterintelligence¹

First recorded in 1935–40; counter- + intelligence

Example Sentences

The sticks are kidnapping and torture of those suspected of disloyalty by Venezuelan and Cuban counterintelligence agents.

From Los Angeles Times

Frank Figliuzzi, a former assistant director for counterintelligence at the FBI, reiterated in an X post what the agency said in its statement.

From Seattle Times

The review was carried out in 2020 and 2021 by a small group within the bureau’s counterintelligence division, with the findings then passed along to field offices, which handle informants.

From New York Times

Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said the arrests of the three suspects in Germany were a "great success for our counterintelligence".

From BBC

“Operation Mincemeat,” a word-of-mouth hit about a bizarre World War II counterintelligence plot that is running at the Fortune Theater, won best new musical.

From New York Times