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

For Kazuma Kakehashi, higher military spending is about deterrence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Washington and its partners, they say, should use the window to build a comprehensive deterrence strategy that addresses nonmilitary coercion as effectively as it does conventional conflict.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

Since 1969, the UK has operated continuous at-sea deterrence, with first Polaris and then Trident missiles stored on and launched from nuclear-powered submarines with the capacity to remain submerged at sea for months.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

"We are needed when it comes to increasing the defence capabilities of Germany and Europe and creating an effective deterrence."

From Barron's • Mar. 11, 2026

The Quakers’ goals were prevention of further harm to society, deterrence, and, by the early nineteenth century, encouragement of prisoners to en-gage in “penitent reflection,” which could result in their personal reformation.

From "Newjack: Guarding Sing Sing" by Ted Conover