National Security Council
Proper noun A high-level advisory body within the executive branch of the United States government. Its primary functions are to advise the President on matters of national security, foreign policy, and military affairs, and to oversee the coordination and integration of policies across relevant agencies, including supervising the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).
The term "National Security Council" is used as the official name of this specific government committee. It is typically preceded by the definite article "the" and often abbreviated as NSC. * The National Security Council convened to discuss the emerging crisis. * Key decisions are reviewed by the National Security Council before reaching the President. * She serves as an advisor on the National Security Council.
- The term can be used metonymically to refer to the staff, apparatus, or collective decision-making process associated with this body.
- The National Security Council is recommending a cautious approach.
- NSC: The standard initialism for the National Security Council.
- The memo was circulated to all NSC principals.
- Security Council: Often refers to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC); the full name "National Security Council" is used to specify the U.S. body and avoid confusion.
- Security council (in a generic sense, though this more commonly refers to the UN)
- Policy coordinating committee (describes a core function, but is not a proper name substitute)
- NSC meeting: A convened session of the National Security Council.
- NSC advisor/staff/principal: Titles for individuals who work for or are members of the Council.
- a committee in the executive branch of government that advises the president on foreign and military and national security; supervises the Central Intelligence Agency