deterrence

de·ter·rence

noun
\di-ˈtər-ən(t)s, -ˈter-; -ˈtə-rən(t)s, -ˈte-; dē-\

Definition of DETERRENCE

: the act or process of deterring: as a : the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment b : the maintenance of military power for the purpose of discouraging attack

Examples of DETERRENCE

1. The author argues that deterrence is no longer the best way to prevent war.

First Known Use of DETERRENCE

1861

Other Military Terms

bivouac, logistics, petard, salient, sally, supernumerary, tactical