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

Yet Stimson’s presence appeared to serve as some form of deterrence. —Sasha Issenberg, Smithsonian Magazine, 5 Sep. 2024

And our lack of deterrence has only exacerbated the problem. —Letters To The Editor, The Mercury News, 5 Sep. 2024

But as the largest US base in South Korea, its presence also sends a message of deterrence across Northeast Asia. —Mike Valerio, CNN, 2 Sep. 2024

But keen observers will note that Labour has carried with it some of the flawed assumptions from their Conservative predecessors, mainly an emphasis on deterrence and interdiction. —Frey Lindsay, Forbes, 16 Aug. 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