détente
Americannoun
noun
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of détente
First recorded in 1905–10; from French; see origin at detent
Explanation
When opposing countries reach an understanding or truce, that's detente, meaning a loosening of tensions. If two nations are having problems, such as disagreements over trade, or even the threat of war, and then they become friendlier to each other, they've reached a state of detente. Detente is a relaxing of tension: diplomacy is working and the countries are on the path of peace rather than the road to war. If you always argue with your sibling, and then you start getting along better, you could humorously say that you've reached a detente.
Vocabulary lists containing detente
Olympics Vocabulary for Champions
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English Words Derived from French, List 9
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American History - Middle School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Appeared in the February 4, 2026, print edition as 'Trump, Colombian Leader Signal Detente After Talk'.
From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 3, 2026
Combine competition and cooperation Detente policies were not distinct from the first cold war – they were an intrinsic part of it.
From The Guardian • Jun. 20, 2020
"Rouhani Pledges to Walk The Path of Detente," is the headline in the Financial Times, which reports that, for the first time since 1979, Tehran invited world leaders to the inauguration ceremony.
From BBC • Aug. 5, 2013
"Detente means little if it is not reflected in the daily lives of our peoples," he told the delegates.
From Time Magazine Archive
Detente in the East will allow Moscow to cut some of its 45 divisions stationed along the Chinese border.
From Time Magazine Archive
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
