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

Trump’s policy to back every Israeli aggression may create the deterrence Netanyahu seeks in the short term, but it’s guaranteed to one day unite the Muslim world against the West. —Hadley Gamble, semafor.com, 15 Sep. 2025

Beyond its nuclear-deterrence mission, the B-2’s long range and payload capacity have enabled it to deliver large munitions at a distance. —Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 11 Sep. 2025

That inconsequential punishment provides little deterrence for either serial or opportunistic poachers. —Andrew McKean, Outdoor Life, 11 Sep. 2025

Having escaped disaster and gauged the full extent of American self-deterrence, Putin began putting pressure on Ukraine’s neighbors and suppliers. —Robert Kagan, The Atlantic, 10 Sep. 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