deterrence
noun
de·ter·rence
di-ˈtər-ən(t)s 
-ˈter-
-ˈter-
-ˈtə-rən(t)s,
-ˈte-;
dē-
: the act or process of deterring: such as
a
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment
b
: the maintenance of military power for the purpose of discouraging attack
nuclear deterrence
Examples of deterrence in a Sentence
The author argues that deterrence is no longer the best way to prevent war.
Recent Examples on the Web
The proud Iranian nation, whose strength my government relies on for real deterrence, will never accept coercion and imposition.
—
Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Its two ballistic missile attacks on Israel in 2024 were a failure that further degraded its deterrence as well as its affiliate groups’ morale, calling Tehran’s value as a patron into question.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025
Another called for an initiative to field strong NATO anti-access/area-denial defenses in eastern Europe, both to deter Russian aggression and to sustain a successful defense of the region should deterrence fail.
—Andrew F. Krepinevich, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025
Even after the fall of the Soviet Union—the deterrence of which was NATO's original raison d'etre—the alliance remains a firewall against authoritarianism.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Raja Krishnamoorthi, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 Apr. 2025
Its two ballistic missile attacks on Israel in 2024 were a failure that further degraded its deterrence as well as its affiliate groups’ morale, calling Tehran’s value as a patron into question.
—Dana Stroul, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025
Another called for an initiative to field strong NATO anti-access/area-denial defenses in eastern Europe, both to deter Russian aggression and to sustain a successful defense of the region should deterrence fail.
—Andrew F. Krepinevich, Foreign Affairs, 2 Apr. 2025
Even after the fall of the Soviet Union—the deterrence of which was NATO's original raison d'etre—the alliance remains a firewall against authoritarianism.
—Josh Hammer, MSNBC Newsweek, 1 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
Cite this Entry
“Deterrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterrence. Accessed 19 Apr. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
deterrence
noun
de·ter·rence
di-ˈtər-ən(t)s
-ˈter-
-ˈter-
: the act, process, or capability of deterring
Legal Definition
deterrence
noun
de·ter·rence
di-ˈtər-əns, -ˈter-
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear especially of punishment
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