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

Thus, the burden of deterrence and defense against it is not going to lighten in the near term. —Andrea Kendall-Taylor, Foreign Affairs, 18 Dec. 2024

Moore also has reservations about the nuclear deterrence mission of the AUKUS deal. —IEEE Spectrum, 16 Dec. 2024

In addition to preventing cybercrime, increasingly holding cybercriminals accountable is key to deterrence. —John Whittle, Forbes, 10 Dec. 2024

The border czar position has not in the past had prosecutorial powers, but ICE operations have often relied on creating a sense of fear in immigrant communities as a means of deterrence. —Rafael Bernal, The Hill, 12 Dec. 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