deterrence

noun

de·​ter·​rence di-ˈtər-ən(t)s How to pronounce deterrence (audio) -ˈter- How to pronounce deterrence (audio)
-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 However, Scanlan says the results show the method could be one part of broader education and deterrence efforts against people finding CSAM online. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 29 Feb. 2024 The conventional wisdom holds that nuclear buildups are designed to maintain deterrence – a balance in which no nuclear weapons state would dare to attack another for fear of being completely destroyed in return. William Hartung, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2024 In shying away from escalation, the Biden administration may be underestimating the importance of deterrence as a component of détente. Niall Ferguson, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Yoon and Biden have sharpened their countries’ deterrence plans and coordination in the face of North Korea’s threats and weapons development. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 15 Feb. 2024 Nonetheless some analysts did not see the strikes as a significant step up in any U.S. effort at deterrence. Alexander Smith, NBC News, 3 Feb. 2024 Brown acknowledged that there is a delicate balance to be struck between the U.S. goal of deterrence in the region while also protecting U.S. forces. Luis Martinez, ABC News, 28 Jan. 2024 Running along telephone wires above my yard were squirrels — whose deterrence has been the subject of a recent column. Joshua Siskin, Orange County Register, 27 Jan. 2024 The report says that in the future, a variety of messages could be used—potentially including existing deterrence videos—and the chatbot could directly connect people to a live chat session with Lucy Faithfull’s helpline. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 29 Feb. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deterrence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see deter

First Known Use

1861, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of deterrence was in 1861

Dictionary Entries Near deterrence

Cite this Entry

“Deterrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterrence. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

deterrence

noun
de·​ter·​rence di-ˈtər-ən(t)s How to pronounce deterrence (audio) -ˈter- How to pronounce deterrence (audio)
: 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- How to pronounce deterrence (audio)
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment

More from Merriam-Webster on deterrence

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