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

For progressives, deterrence can be more readily accomplished than centrists believe, both because the United States’ existing military power is sufficient and because China is not an aggressive revisionist power like Russia. — Thomas Wright, Foreign Affairs, 3 Nov. 2026

However, bipartisan consensus on China deterrence, nuclear modernization and missile defense could protect other major programs, according to multiple analysts. — Luke Fountain, CNBC, 2 Nov. 2026

The war hardened the conclusion that conventional deterrence doesn’t work. — Howard Lafranchi, Christian Science Monitor, 2 Nov. 2026

Trump and Lee must restore deterrence, not reward Kim’s aggression, to avoid strategic and economic calamity. — Dan Blumenthal, Washington Post, 27 Oct. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see deter

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for deterrence

• concurrence
• incurrence
• occurrence
• recurrence
• transference
• coinsurance
• countertransference

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