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

Seoul likely needs no more than 100 warheads to achieve local deterrence, given North Korea’s small size and small arsenal. —Robert E. Kelly, Foreign Affairs, 30 Dec. 2024

Arms control is extraordinarily complex, guided by many of the same largely intangible dynamics that shape nuclear deterrence and escalation management. —Luke Widenhouse, Orlando Sentinel, 29 Dec. 2024

The Cold War doctrine of deterrence, known as Mutually Assured Destruction (MAD), assumes that rational actors will make rational decisions to prevent nuclear catastrophe. —Michael Sheldrick, Forbes, 28 Dec. 2024

Now, deterrence is much more about who has the most capacity to make stuff. —Colin Demarest, Axios, 18 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