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

The North Atlantic Treaty Organization was formed in 1949 to counter the security threat posed by the Soviet Union during the Cold War, and its deterrence is underpinned by a strong American troop presence in Europe. —Lorne Cook, Fortune, 1 Feb. 2026

According to the report, the systems were activated to disrupt and warn off foreign aircraft, offering a rare glimpse into how Beijing integrates electronic warfare into its maritime patrols and regional deterrence strategy. —Bojan Stojkovski, Interesting Engineering, 1 Feb. 2026

Educators and parents in the district have been working as chauffeurs, delivery drivers, bodyguards, and deterrence squads. —Jessica Winter, New Yorker, 31 Jan. 2026

With Kristaps Porziņģis only playing 17 games and 6-foot-8 Onyeka Okongwu pressed into service as a starting center, the Hawks are too often way too small and lack rim deterrence. —The Athletic Nba Staff, New York Times, 30 Jan. 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