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

Clinton sanctions and approves weapons sales to Ukraine, and supports additional deterrence—troops, air defenses, joint military exercises—in the Baltics. — Hugh Cameron, MSNBC Newsweek, 8 Nov. 2026

Another example of this is the Boeing B-52 Stratofortress, which entered service with the US Air Force as one leg of America's nuclear deterrence triad and has remained there ever since. — New Atlas, 7 Nov. 2026

The development comes at a time when nuclear deterrence, strategic competition and the modernisation of military capabilities remain important issues in international security. — Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

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

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