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

This month, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said that he was holding "confidential talks with the French president about European nuclear deterrence".

From Barron's

Pascal Confavreux, a ministry spokesman, phrased it more diplomatically: “We use irony and humor to deliver a punch and create deterrence by exposing the absurdity of the claims made by those who attack us.”

From The Wall Street Journal

It also said that under Kim's leadership, North Korea "radically improved" its "war deterrence", "with the nuclear forces as its pivot".

From BBC

Stripping away these elements would, in Tehran's view, dismantle the foundations of its deterrence.

From BBC

Speaking at the MSC, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he was already holding "confidential talks with the French president about European nuclear deterrence".

From Barron's