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
Panetta called on postal leaders to prioritize mail theft deterrence in South San Jose, including the approval of individual curbside mailboxes, new physical security standards for cluster box units and clarity on a nationwide strategy to address this epidemic.
—
James Herrera Monterey Daily Herald, Arkansas Online, 28 Dec. 2025
His coalition has outlasted every Israeli government of the past six years, giving him time to restore Israel’s regional deterrence while avoiding substantial inquiry into the decision-making preceding its unprecedented security lapse on October 7, 2023.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan is seeking to enhance its deterrence capabilities and work more closely with allies, including the United States.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
The underlying assumption is that having a nuclear umbrella is desirable and that nuclear deterrence theory is valid.
—Siegfried Hecker, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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James Herrera Monterey Daily Herald, Arkansas Online, 28 Dec. 2025
His coalition has outlasted every Israeli government of the past six years, giving him time to restore Israel’s regional deterrence while avoiding substantial inquiry into the decision-making preceding its unprecedented security lapse on October 7, 2023.
—Tal Shalev, CNN Money, 28 Dec. 2025
As tensions rise in the Indo-Pacific region, Japan is seeking to enhance its deterrence capabilities and work more closely with allies, including the United States.
—Kapil Kajal, Interesting Engineering, 26 Dec. 2025
The underlying assumption is that having a nuclear umbrella is desirable and that nuclear deterrence theory is valid.
—Siegfried Hecker, Foreign Affairs, 16 Dec. 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 1 Jan. 2026.
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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