deterrence
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About Our Definitions: All forms of a word (noun, verb, etc.) are now displayed on one page.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
See Examples of DETERRENCE
- The author argues that deterrence is no longer the best way to prevent war.
First Known Use of DETERRENCE
1861
de·ter·rence
noun \di-ˈtər-ən(t)s, -ˈter-; -ˈtə-rən(t)s; dē-\ (Medical Dictionary)Medical Definition of DETERRENCE
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment
deterrence
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Military strategy whereby one power uses the threat of reprisal to preclude an attack from an adversary. The term largely refers to the basic strategy of the nuclear powers and the major alliance systems. The premise is that each nuclear power maintains a high level of instant and overwhelming destructive capability against any aggressor. It relies on two basic conditions: the ability to retaliate after a surprise attack must be perceived as credible, and retaliation must be perceived as a possibility, if not a certainty.
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