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

This is important as the need for deterrence increases. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 18 Dec. 2025

But nuclear weapons have not prevented conflict between nuclear states, as fighting between India and Pakistan has shown, and there are many possible explanations other than deterrence for the absence of nuclear war among such states, including luck. —Siegfried Hecker, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025

During its mission to support sanctions against North Korea, the New Zealand vessel patrolled 158,000 square miles of water, interrupted two possibly illicit ship-to-ship transfers, identified seven vessels of interest and broadcast 79 deterrence messages. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Dec. 2025

Taiwan is labeled a high-risk flashpoint where deterrence is crucial. —Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 5 Dec. 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