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

But as the war continued, Biden's deterrence of Iran and its proxies — and his influence over Israel's decisions — waned. —Barak Ravid, Axios, 7 Oct. 2024

Within ten days in September, the Jewish state had reclaimed its most important strategic asset: deterrence. —Ari Shavit, Foreign Affairs, 5 Oct. 2024

Defense ministry spokesman Jeon Ha-kyu told a briefing the parade helped improve troop morale and stimulate defense exports, while serving as a deterrence against North Korea. —Reuters, NBC News, 1 Oct. 2024

Iran will now try to move thousands of fighters to border areas of Lebanon and Syria, the source said, adding that for the past two months several thousand fighters have gone from Iraq to Syria, suggesting that Tehran has been preparing to reinforce its deterrence. —Golnar Motevalli, TIME, 30 Sep. 2024

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