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

Having achieved detente after a period of acrimony, they are charitable with one another, and themselves.

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The detente, however, doesn’t mean that the U.S. and Western companies will continue to rely on China for rare-earth supply.

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The trade detente between the U.S. and China shows fragility.

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The new awareness is the latest indication that the detente has largely glossed over a rivalry between the U.S. and China that is only beginning.

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Leland Miller, co-founder of independent research firm China Beige Book, cautions against investors treating the detente as a completed one-year deal.

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