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

Then, in 2018 and 2019, when caravans of asylum seekers, who were primarily from Central America, were met with cruel deterrence tactics like the Remain in Mexico policy. —Liliana Reza, San Diego Union-Tribune, 9 July 2025

The deterrence equation has changed, as has Israel's room for strategic maneuvering. —Tim Ryan, MSNBC Newsweek, 3 July 2025

However, Erdogan doubtlessly doesn’t plan on putting all his eggs in the ballistic missile basket and almost certainly comprehends that a sophisticated defense capacity plays a vital deterrence role. —Paul Iddon, Forbes.com, 2 July 2025

In the years since, Baltimore has developed one of the most robust focused deterrence approaches in the nation — doling out significant social support and robust consequences. —Joshua Crawford, Baltimore Sun, 2 July 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