counterspies
Enemy infiltrator hunters
Counterspies are agents who work to detect and neutralize enemy spies—essentially spies who hunt other spies.
The term appears in espionage contexts and thriller fiction: The counterspies had been tracking the mole for months.
Counterspy is the singular, and counterespionage describes the broader activity.
Entry into something
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- molesBurrowing insectivore mammals
- subversionUndermining established authority
- sabotageDeliberate disruption of operations
betrayal · traitor · leaks · deception · false-flag · compromised · vetting · recruitment
Burrowing insectivore mammals
- tradecraftEspionage methods and skills
- spycraftMethods of secret agents
- covertIntentionally concealed
- clandestineConcealed from authorities
surveillance · assets · informants · handlers · debriefing · intercepts · encryption · decryption
Act of hiding something
- coverProtect by overlaying
- disguiseIdentity-concealing alteration
- anonymityUnknown identity state
- stealthSecret, undetected movement
covert · clandestine · classified · compartmentalized · need-to-know · secure · encrypted · hidden
Methodical study of parts
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
- deductionConclusion from premises
clues · puzzle · observation · interrogation · vetting · polygraph · surveillance · assessment
Systematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- tailRear animal appendage
- shadowingFollowing to observe
- stakeoutProlonged covert observation
pursuit · detection · exposure · unmasking · interrogation · extraction · neutralization · apprehension
penetration
Entry into something
- undercoverSecretly engaged in espionage
- molesBurrowing insectivore mammals
- subversionUndermining established authority
sabotage · betrayal · traitor · leaks · deception · false-flag · compromised · vetting · recruitment · turned
moles
Burrowing insectivore mammals
- tradecraftEspionage methods and skills
- spycraftMethods of secret agents
- covertIntentionally concealed
clandestine · surveillance · assets · informants · handlers · debriefing · intercepts · encryption · decryption · eavesdropping
concealment
Act of hiding something
stealth · covert · clandestine · classified · compartmentalized · need-to-know · secure · encrypted · hidden · obscured
analysis
Methodical study of parts
- detectiveProfessional crime investigator
- evidenceFacts supporting truth
- forensicsScientific crime-scene analysis
deduction · clues · puzzle · observation · interrogation · vetting · polygraph · surveillance · assessment · verification
surveillance
Systematic observation of subjects
- reconnaissanceInformation-gathering before action
- tailRear animal appendage
- shadowingFollowing to observe
stakeout · pursuit · detection · exposure · unmasking · interrogation · extraction · neutralization · apprehension · disruption
counterspiesspies
Secret intelligence gatherers
foreign agents · infiltrators · moles · double agents · sleeper agents
counterspiestraitors
Those who commit disloyalty
defectors · turncoats · collaborators · informants · leakers
spying, intelligence, spies, espionage, counterspy, counteragent, counterintelligence, counterspying, intelligencer