covert action

noun

1. a secret action undertaken to influence the course of political events, as a government intelligence operation.

Word History and Origins

Origin of covert action¹

First recorded in 1975–80

Example Sentences

The form of this response, be it a direct military strike, cyberwarfare, or a covert action has not been publicly revealed.

From Salon

Using some of the same tools he had employed in Southeast Asia — covert action, realpolitik analysis and an unshakable confidence in his own intelligence — he pushed the United States into a war he knew little about.

From New York Times

Justifying his decision, Kissinger told a committee staff member, “Covert action should not be confused with missionary work.”

From Los Angeles Times

As head of de Gaulle’s political party and architect of its secret services, he would become the key link between the French executive and Françafrique’s African leaders, whom he personally selected, befriended and defended with covert action.

From Salon

Proponents of QAnon conspiracy theories, lobbyists from conservative “dark money” groups, and vigilantes willing to take covert action to find proof of election crimes showed up for a two-day forum to present on such topics as “Election Machine Vulnerabilities,” “Voter Roll Maintenance,” and “Ballot Harvesting.”

From Slate