détente

Or de·tente

[dey-tahnt, dey-tahnt]

noun

plural

détentes 

1. a relaxing of tension, especially between nations, as by negotiations or agreements.

détente

/ deɪˈtɑːnt, detɑ̃t /

noun

1. the relaxing or easing of tension, esp between nations

détente

1. A period of lessening tension between two major national powers, or a policy designed to lessen that tension. Détente presupposes that the two powers will continue to disagree but seeks to reduce the occasions of conflict.

Word History and Origins

Origin of détente¹

First recorded in 1905–10; from French; detent

Word History and Origins

Origin of détente¹

French, literally: a loosening, from Old French destendre to release, from tendre to stretch

Example Sentences

As in the past, the U.S. and China could still find ways to work toward a detente.

Read more on Barron's

The US and China have been in a fragile trade détente since May, when the two sides agreed to drop triple-digit tariffs on each others' goods that had nearly stopped trade between the two countries.

Read more on BBC

It’s a signal China has cards to play and underscores the fragility of any detente between the two geopolitical rivals.

Read more on Barron's

In the Cold War, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and doubled down on global revolution even while benefiting from the detente era’s liberalized trade.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Skeptically accepting a meeting with Edward in the spirit of detente, Ellen feels electricity sparking between them, and vice versa.

Read more on Los Angeles Times