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 can include passive deterrence or more direct space control measures. —Sujita Sinha, Interesting Engineering, 29 Sep. 2025

Missiles remain a cornerstone of Iran’s deterrence strategy, and agreeing to such terms would be seen domestically as a major capitulation. —Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 24 Sep. 2025

Washington’s emphasis on military deterrence and preparing for war risks creating exactly the type of military confrontation where none need exist and threatens to isolate the United States from East Asia. —David C. Kang, Foreign Affairs, 19 Sep. 2025

Such states could serve as the foundation for next-generation QKD systems that go beyond detection to deterrence—making unauthorized observation practically useless. —Pravir Malik, Forbes.com, 19 Sep. 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