détente

dé·tente

noun \dā-ˈtänt\

Definition of DÉTENTE

1

: the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations); also : a policy promoting this

2

: a period of détente

Variants of DÉTENTE

dé·tente or de·tente \dā-ˈtänt\

Examples of DÉTENTE

1. as the countries move toward détente
2. the start of a détente

Origin of DÉTENTE

French

First Known Use: 1908

Rhymes with DÉTENTE

avaunt, bacchant, bacchante, bouffant, courante, entente, Fremont, gallant, grandaunt, piedmont, Piedmont, piquant, romaunt, savant, sirvente, Vermont

détente

   (Concise Encyclopedia)

Period of the easing of Cold War tensions between the U.S. and the Soviet Union from 1967 to 1979. The era was a time of increased trade and cooperation with the Soviet Union and the signing of the SALT treaties. Relations cooled again with the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.