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

The border czar position has not in the past had prosecutorial powers, but ICE operations have often relied on creating a sense of fear in immigrant communities as a means of deterrence. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 12 Dec. 2024

Last week, the U.S. Space Force also set up its first unit in Japan, seeking to enhance the alliance's defense and deterrence. —Paul Du Quenoy, Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2024

Both leaders also know that a refusal to engage on nuclear issues would result in the United States intensifying its own nuclear deterrence posture in ways that could increase the dangers and uncertainties for their countries. —Lewis A. Dunn, Foreign Affairs, 4 Dec. 2024

The use of what Vladimir Putin said was a ballistic missile with multiple warheads in offensive combat is a clear departure from decades of the Cold War doctrine of deterrence. —Brad Lendon, CNN, 22 Nov. 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