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

Five years later, the threat of a direct confrontation between the U.S. and Iran remains substantial as Tehran weighs its options to maintain deterrence in the midst of an ongoing conflict across the region. —Daniel R. Depetris, Newsweek, 12 Jan. 2025

The result is a hollow form of internationalism that has sometimes resulted in disastrous failures of deterrence. —Michael Beckley, Foreign Affairs, 7 Jan. 2025

The first large-scale war game of such an incident, conducted by the CSIS and a war gaming lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, found that a U.S. buildup that goes past current modernization plans would not bolster nuclear deterrence in relation to Taiwan. —Brad Dress, The Hill, 7 Jan. 2025

Beyond Highsmith and Adebayo, there is little in the way of defensive deterrence in the Heat’s first five, no other option in terms of a wing stopper. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 5 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see deter

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

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