counterproliferation
KOWN-ter-pro-li-fuh-RAY-shun
Definition
The set of actions and strategies specifically designed to prevent, deter, or stop the spread of nuclear weapons and related technologies once initial nonproliferation efforts have been bypassed.
Etymology
The word is a modern compound formed from the prefix 'counter-', meaning against, and 'proliferation', from the Latin 'proles' (offspring) and 'ferre' (to carry), referring to the rapid increase or spread of items.
In the news
The article uses the term to describe the broad scope of research topics undertaken by undergraduate fellows, highlighting the field's focus on actively mitigating the risks of weapon acquisition.
CNS Summer Undergraduate Fellows Share Research with Longtime Supporters Tom and Sarah Pattison
Read the full article ↗James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies