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

It has not been publicly announced where the Gonzalez will operate precisely, but such missions often involve ballistic missile defense patrols, escort operations, and NATO deterrence missions. —Christopher McFadden, Interesting Engineering, 22 Mar. 2026

The new leadership may try to remedy that by rushing toward a nuclear weapon so as to actually provide deterrence. —Nicholas D. Kristof, Mercury News, 21 Mar. 2026

Yet for Iran’s current regime, its endgame is not victory but survival, restoring deterrence and attempting to regain power to dictate terms of what comes after the war. —Mostafa Salem, CNN Money, 19 Mar. 2026

Washington and Seoul should now shift toward a policy of stable coexistence — focusing on deterrence rather than denuclearization, while encouraging normal diplomatic relations with regular engagement. —Karishma Vaswani, Twin Cities, 15 Mar. 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