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
What to watch: A U.S. official said Trump doesn't want to go to war with Iran but needs the military assets to establish deterrence in the negotiations — and to be prepared to act if negotiations fail and things escalate quickly.
—
Barak Ravid, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
Even after the fall of the Soviet Union—the deterrence of which was NATO's original raison d'etre—the alliance remains a firewall against authoritarianism.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
But for all of McCain’s offensive gifts, Ware’s size and rim deterrence offer the possibility for something more.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2025
With limited deterrence, theft is increasingly normalized, leading to higher incidences of violence and intimidation faced by retail employees.
—James Fotis, Boston Herald, 26 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Barak Ravid, Axios, 2 Apr. 2025
Even after the fall of the Soviet Union—the deterrence of which was NATO's original raison d'etre—the alliance remains a firewall against authoritarianism.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
But for all of McCain’s offensive gifts, Ware’s size and rim deterrence offer the possibility for something more.
—Barry Jackson, Miami Herald, 30 Mar. 2025
With limited deterrence, theft is increasingly normalized, leading to higher incidences of violence and intimidation faced by retail employees.
—James Fotis, Boston Herald, 26 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 14 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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