deterrence

American  

[dih-tur-uhns, -tuhr-, -ter-] / dɪˈtɜr əns, -ˈtʌr-, -ˈtɛr- /

Sometimes deterrency

noun

1. the act of deterring, especially deterring a nuclear attack by the capacity or threat of retaliating.

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deterrence Cultural  

1. A military capability sufficiently strong to discourage any would-be aggressor from starting a war because of the fear of retaliation. (See balance of terror.)

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Etymology

Origin of deterrence

First recorded in 1860–65; deterr(ent) + -ence

Explanation

A deterrence discourages you from doing something. An invisible electric fence is an excellent deterrence for dogs who like to roam outside the yard. You can influence someone's actions by promoting certain behaviors and discouraging others. And it's the discouragement part where deterrence comes in. A deterrence makes you reconsider doing something — usually bad things like stealing or skipping school — because you know the penalty will be harsh. Deterrences make you afraid to try something. So many homeowners hope that a security alarm will be a deterrence to burglars.

Example Sentences

Deterrence by denial hinges on providing Taiwan with the weapons and other equipment it needs to defend itself—and thus deter Chinese aggression.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 8, 2026

Deterrence is what Lizelle Gonzalez was trying to create with her lawsuit.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

A Palestinian security source in Gaza told AFP that Hamas's security body, a recently established unit whose name translates as "Deterrence Force", was conducting "ongoing field operations to ensure security and stability".

From Barron's • Oct. 14, 2025

Mr Hishri was part of the Special Deterrence Force, also known as SDF/Rada, aligned to the interior ministry of the internationally recognised government based in Tripoli.

From BBC • Jul. 18, 2025

Deterrence implied a kind of balance between the forces of the two superpowers.

From "Spies: The Secret Showdown Between America and Russia" by Marc Favreau