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Counterspy: meaning, definitions and examples

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counterspy

 

[ ˈkaʊntərˌspaɪ ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

espionage role

A counterspy is a person who works to detect and prevent espionage activities conducted by spies. They are typically employed by government agencies or private organizations to safeguard sensitive information. Counterspies may also gather intelligence on foreign spies and their activities. Their work is crucial in maintaining national security and protecting confidential data.

Synonyms

covert agent, intelligence officer, security operative, spy catcher.

Examples of usage

  • The counterspy was able to thwart several assassination attempts.
  • She worked with the counterspy team to uncover the infiltrators.
  • His role as a counterspy required him to be highly alert at all times.
  • Counterspies often operate undercover to gather intelligence.
  • The agency hired a counterspy to monitor foreign intelligence operations.

Translations

Translations of the word "counterspy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contraespionagem

🇮🇳 गुप्तचर प्रतिरोधक

🇩🇪 Gegen-Spionage

🇮🇩 kontra intelijen

🇺🇦 контррозвідка

🇵🇱 kontrwywiad

🇯🇵 対スパイ活動

🇫🇷 contre-espionnage

🇪🇸 contraespionaje

🇹🇷 karşı casusluk

🇰🇷 첩보 방지

🇸🇦 مكافحة التجسس

🇨🇿 protišpionáž

🇸🇰 protipodviedanie

🇨🇳 反间谍活动

🇸🇮 protiobveščevalna dejavnost

🇮🇸 gegnir njósnum

🇰🇿 контрбарлау

🇬🇪 წინააღმდეგობური ჯაშუშობა

🇦🇿 qarşı kəşfiyyat

🇲🇽 contraespionaje

Etymology

The term 'counterspy' is a compound word formed from 'counter-', meaning in opposition or against, and 'spy', which derives from the Old French word 'espier', meaning to observe or watch. The concept of counterespionage became significant during the 19th and 20th centuries with the growth of national defense agencies and intelligence operations. The role evolved during World War I and II, where the need to protect national secrets from enemy spies became paramount. Counterspies employed various tactics, including surveillance, infiltration, and deception, to safeguard sensitive information. The field continued to develop with the Cold War, where espionage reached new heights, necessitating advanced counterintelligence techniques. Today, counterspying is often associated with high-stakes scenarios involving national security and international relations.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #42,532, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.