détente

American  

[dey-tahnt, dey-tahnt] / deɪˈtɑnt, deɪˈtɑ̃t /

Or detente

noun

plural

détentes

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

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détente British  

/ deɪˈtɑːnt, detɑ̃t /

noun

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

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détente Cultural  

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.

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Etymology

Origin of détente

First recorded in 1905–10; from French; detent

Example Sentences

Stock markets were back to trading headlines on Wednesday, with major indexes around the world booking solid gains on reports of potential detente between the U.S. and Iran.

From Barron's

The kingdom intervened against the militant group a decade ago during Yemen’s civil war but later withdrew and reached a detente that lowered the risk of attacks.

From The Wall Street Journal

But analysts don’t see the Iran conflict at this point scuttling a U.S.-China summit, or the broader detente.

From Barron's

In at least one area, though, it appears as though a detente may come soon.

From The Wall Street Journal

Since then, bank and crypto executives have held three meetings at the White House to come to a détente with no success.

From Barron's

Related Words

• armistice
• cease-fire
• reconciliation