deterrence

Sometimes de·ter·ren·cy

[dih-tur-uhns, -tuhr-, -ter-]

noun

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

deterrence

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.)

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterrence¹

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

Example Sentences

To patriots, these killings were deterrence; to loyalists, they were murder.

From Salon

Beijing is not only strengthening deterrence, but is also creating a "second strike capability," he says - a country's ability to launch a retaliatory strike if attacked.

From BBC

"Given the ongoing disorder at the hotel and across the country, I've got to be considering punishment and deterrence," he added, banning Hillard from the vicinity of the building for six months.

From BBC

The piece contends that the administration is exploiting anxiety about crime to erode civil rights and due process protections, with the death penalty serving as a tool of repression rather than crime deterrence.

From Los Angeles Times

The US appears to be strengthening its deterrence, and has debuted its "Dark Eagle" hypersonic weapon.

From BBC