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

Its Strike Eagle fleet is also capable of carrying nuclear gravity bombs, according to the Federation of American Scientists, which forms part of NATO's nuclear deterrence. —Raul A. Reyes, Newsweek, 22 Jan. 2025

The new rules could also impact the behavior of prospective immigrants — a group the Trump administration wants to deter from even considering the United States as a destination despite historical evidence pointing toward the futility of deterrence as an immigration policy. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 21 Jan. 2025

Waltz declined in the interview to say whether that could include sanctions, and did not otherwise describe what such deterrence might mean. —Kevin Collier, NBC News, 18 Jan. 2025

Police work through focused deterrence is intervention, not prevention, Daniel said. —Kendrick Calfee, Kansas City Star, 17 Jan. 2025

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