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 second thing is that military strategy and ultimately political strategy have evolved from at first being fundamentally reactive to the initial Hamas attack, from the imperative to restore Israeli deterrence and to punish Hamas. —Isaac Chotiner, The New Yorker, 7 Oct. 2024

But from the air over Lebanon, Israel can now seemingly bomb at will; whatever deterrence previously existed has broken down. —Sam Heller, TIME, 5 Oct. 2024

All deterrence is based on unpredictability, but it's also based on strength. —Susan Page, USA TODAY, 1 Nov. 2024

The big picture: The series of assassinations and other military operations in the region helped restore much of Israel's deterrence, which was shattered on Oct. 7. —Barak Ravid, Axios, 20 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see deter

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

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