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

In June, the heads of NATO's member nations agreed to a goal of spending 5% of gross domestic product on defense and deterrence capabilities—including cyber—by 2035. —Jim Richberg, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Some European leaders have suggested going as far as to send peacekeeping troops to enforce a post-war deterrence in Ukraine, while Russia wants a broader set of agreements that offer Moscow a greater say in the regional security landscape. —Tom O'Connor, MSNBC Newsweek, 7 Sep. 2025

No direct confrontation and no indirect confrontation means no deterrence. —Graeme Wood, The Atlantic, 2 Sep. 2025

Set to be designed specifically for stealth, the vessel will provide an ensured second-strike capability, forming the backbone of the nation’s strategic deterrence strategy. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 30 Aug. 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