deterrence

American  

[dih-tur-uhns, -tuhr-, -ter-] / dɪˈtɜr əns, -ˈtʌr-, -ˈtɛr- /

Sometimes deterrency

noun

1. the act of deterring, especially deterring a nuclear attack by the capacity or threat of retaliating.

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deterrence Cultural  

1. A military capability sufficiently strong to discourage any would-be aggressor from starting a war because of the fear of retaliation. (See balance of terror.)

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Etymology

Origin of deterrence

First recorded in 1860–65; deterr(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

But last week’s damage to another cable means deterrence is failing.

From The Wall Street Journal

The drills this week in the Taiwan Strait would also aim at deterrence "outside the island chain", China's military said.

From BBC

Analysts and officials said India’s goal isn’t to catch up to China’s vast infrastructure buildup but to create enough of a deterrence to make any further Chinese encroachment more costly.

From The Wall Street Journal

Cash-drained European capitals fear they would have no other choice but to massively increase military spending and defensive preparations, in the hope of preserving their deterrence.

From The Wall Street Journal

Witkoff and Umerov "agreed on the framework of security arrangements" and "discussed necessary deterrence capabilities to sustain a lasting peace", their statement said without giving details.

From BBC