deterrence

noun

de·​ter·​rence di-ˈtər-ən(t)s  -ˈter- 

-ˈtə-rən(t)s,

-ˈte-;

dē-

: the act or process of deterring: such as

a

: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment

b

: the maintenance of military power for the purpose of discouraging attack

nuclear deterrence

Examples of deterrence in a Sentence

The author argues that deterrence is no longer the best way to prevent war.

Recent Examples on the Web

Such a failure of deterrence will only place American troops around Taiwan in unnecessary danger. —Faisal Kutty, Newsweek, 12 Mar. 2025

In the past, North Korea categorized the rocket launches as an act of deterrence, a symbolic display of disapproval of military cooperation between South Korea, the U.S., and other allies in Asia. —Washington Examiner Staff, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 12 Mar. 2025

Even its own deterrence capabilities could weaken, as outdated energy infrastructures fail to keep pace with the evolving demands of modern warfare. —Ingmar Rentzhog, Forbes, 11 Mar. 2025

Extended deterrence was a sham, and the people who relied on it were suckers. —Gideon Rose, Foreign Affairs, 8 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see deter

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deterrence

• concurrence
• incurrence
• occurrence
• recurrence
• transference
• coinsurance
• countertransference

Kids Definition

deterrence

noun

de·​ter·​rence di-ˈtər-ən(t)s  -ˈter- 

: the act, process, or capability of deterring

Medical Definition

deterrence

noun

de·​ter·​rence

di-ˈtər-ən(t)s, -ˈter-; -ˈtə-rən(t)s; dē-

: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment

Legal Definition

deterrence

noun

de·​ter·​rence di-ˈtər-əns, -ˈter- 

: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment