counterthreat

noun

coun·​ter·​threat ˈkau̇n-tər-ˌthret 

variants or counter-threat

plural counterthreats or counter-threats

: a threat intended to combat or prevent another threat

In arrangements that endured until about a dozen years ago, the Bundesbank negotiated in effect by threat and counterthreat with the largest trade union.

—James K. Galbraith

counterthreat adjective

or counter-threat

a counterthreat team

counter-threat operations

Word History

First Known Use

1880, in the meaning defined above