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

Immigration lawyers predict that an early, high-profile case will be used to set precedent and signal deterrence, even as industry groups warn that tighter enforcement and new visa costs could drive more high-skilled work abroad. —Robert Alexander, MSNBC Newsweek, 30 Oct. 2025

Such deterrence from total annihilation only works when countries act predictably. —Brian Bennett, Time, 30 Oct. 2025

To address this danger, Washington has sought to strengthen military deterrence. —Stephen Wertheim, Foreign Affairs, 28 Oct. 2025

Additionally, the government argued that a longer sentence would help with deterrence. —Rachel Wolf , Maria Paronich, FOXNews.com, 28 Oct. 2025

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