balance of power

noun

1. a distribution and opposition of forces among nations such that no single nation is strong enough to assert its will or dominate all the others.

balance of power

noun

1. the distribution of power among countries so that no one nation can seriously threaten the fundamental interests of another

2. any similar distribution of power or influence

balance of power

1. A state of peace that results when rival nations are equally powerful and therefore have no good reason to wage war.

Word History and Origins

Origin of balance of power¹

First recorded in 1570–80