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

After being integrated, this system will demonstrate its capabilities in live-fire tests – advancing the Department of War’s effort to evaluate and accelerate new, cost-effective strike capabilities for conventional deterrence. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 27 Oct. 2025

That being said, the president has to think about re-establishing deterrence options. —Jake Kring-Schreifels, Time, 27 Oct. 2025

What To Know During his first press conference as defense minister, Koizumi, who was appointed by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, said on October 22 that Tokyo would not exclude any options when considering measures to improve deterrence and response capabilities. —Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 27 Oct. 2025

This new film reminds us just how fragile the system of deterrence is, dependent on imperfect technology and human judgment. —ABC News, 26 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