deterrence
noun
de·ter·rence
di-ˈtər-ən(t)s 
-ˈter-
-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
The two sides reaffirmed their security ties and announced planned initiatives, including the deployment of additional advanced military capabilities, bilateral training for high-end operations, greater defense industrial cooperation, and a joint cyber campaign—all aimed at restoring deterrence.
—
Lynn Kuok, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
These nuclear-capable aircraft are capable of deep-penetration missions and are part of a broader deterrence posture as the U.S. prepares for possible confrontation.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
The ramifications extend even to nuclear deterrence: Without reliable communication, a nuclear-armed state might lose the ability to control or monitor its strategic weapons.
—John Calabrese, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
His interior rim deterrence made offense nearly impossible for Phoenix.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Lynn Kuok, Foreign Affairs, 14 Apr. 2025
These nuclear-capable aircraft are capable of deep-penetration missions and are part of a broader deterrence posture as the U.S. prepares for possible confrontation.
—David Faris, MSNBC Newsweek, 11 Apr. 2025
The ramifications extend even to nuclear deterrence: Without reliable communication, a nuclear-armed state might lose the ability to control or monitor its strategic weapons.
—John Calabrese, The Conversation, 10 Apr. 2025
His interior rim deterrence made offense nearly impossible for Phoenix.
—Jace Frederick, Twin Cities, 29 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
Cite this Entry
“Deterrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterrence. Accessed 25 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deterrence
noun
de·ter·rence
di-ˈtər-ən(t)s
-ˈter-
-ˈter-
: the act, process, or capability of deterring
Legal Definition
deterrence
noun
de·ter·rence
di-ˈtər-əns, -ˈter-
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment
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