détente

noun

dé·​tente dā-ˈtänt 

variants or detente

1

: the relaxation of strained relations or tensions (as between nations)

diplomats brokering a détente

also : a policy promoting this

2

: a period of détente

the beginning of a détente

Examples of détente in a Sentence

as the countries move toward détente

the start of a détente

Recent Examples on the Web

Israeli leaders are watching events across the border in Syria with a mix of trepidation and glee, as 50 years of detente were upended in a matter of hours. —Mick Krever, CNN, 8 Dec. 2024

This detente also enabled broader Sino-Indian engagement, particularly in the economic and multilateral arenas. —Tanvi Madan, Foreign Affairs, 4 Oct. 2022

So, what could be the window for some detente between these two states whose armies revel in bellicosity that keeps them relevant to raw domestic populism? —Saleem H. Ali, Forbes, 16 Oct. 2024

Despite the end-times detente between long-battling brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher of Oasis that recently led to their announcement of a 2025 UK tour, some things in the music feud world never change. —Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 12 Sep. 2024

Despite the relative detente, the two countries have in recent years continued to butt heads over a range of issues from trade and technology to human rights. —Kristine Gill, Fortune Asia, 3 Sep. 2024

The emergence of the North American shale sector had upended the cartel’s decades-long dominance of the global oil market, prompting OPEC leaders to pursue a strategy of detente during closed-door gatherings on the sidelines of industry conferences in Houston. —Alicia Adamczyk, Fortune, 19 July 2024

For the moment, detente might be the best both sides can do. —Bill Shaikin, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2024

Saudi Arabia did not join the detente but clearly endorsed it, allowing the UAE and Bahrain to act. —Tribune News Service, The Mercury News, 14 June 2024

Word History

Etymology

French

First Known Use

1908, in the meaning defined at sense 1