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
In the process, the audacious asymmetric attack has raised questions among military analysts about everything from the future of air defenses to the nature of nuclear deterrence.
—
Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025
Group member Bob Evans, who is president of the La Jolla Parks & Beaches board, noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a list of legal deterrence options that could be used, including barriers, lights, sprinklers and noisemakers.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
Reversing these moves would quickly boost U.S. deterrence power.
—Eric S. Edelman, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Given decades of shrinking investment in the British military, questions have been raised over the deterrence that Britain’s conventional and nuclear weapons offer, particularly given its reliance on a US supply chain.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 2 June 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 4 June 2025
Group member Bob Evans, who is president of the La Jolla Parks & Beaches board, noted that the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration has a list of legal deterrence options that could be used, including barriers, lights, sprinklers and noisemakers.
—Ashley MacKin Solomon, San Diego Union-Tribune, 3 June 2025
Reversing these moves would quickly boost U.S. deterrence power.
—Eric S. Edelman, Foreign Affairs, 3 June 2025
Given decades of shrinking investment in the British military, questions have been raised over the deterrence that Britain’s conventional and nuclear weapons offer, particularly given its reliance on a US supply chain.
—Rob Picheta, CNN Money, 2 June 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 8 Jun. 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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