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 aftermath of the June war with Iran—a brief but intense conflict that many believed had fully restored Israel’s deterrence—was another example, in my view, of Netanyahu forfeiting progress for political power. —Yonatan Touval, Time, 22 Aug. 2025

The need for deterrence faded after the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the U.S. drew down its forces in Europe to some 65,000 by 2010. —Peter Rutland, The Conversation, 22 Aug. 2025

The United States and its allies have already expanded missile defense deployments in East Asia, which Beijing views as a direct threat to its strategic deterrence capabilities. —Shuxian Luo, Foreign Affairs, 21 Aug. 2025

Companies will still surrender profits earned through the misconduct, preserving deterrence while rewarding transparency. —Ronak D. Desai, Forbes.com, 21 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