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 boat carries out long deterrence patrols in the Pacific ocean.
—
Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
The Ukraine war has convinced many in Europe that deterrence may not be enough.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
Mousavi and his Aerospace Force are now crucial to Iran’s projection of deterrence.
—Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 9 May 2026
Wembanyama went 13 of 18 from the floor and 10 of 12 from the line, adding five blocks and a full night of paint deterrence as the Spurs won their second straight game after dropping the opener at home.
—CBS News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Aditya Jadhav, Interesting Engineering, 15 May 2026
The Ukraine war has convinced many in Europe that deterrence may not be enough.
—Eliot A. Cohen, The Atlantic, 11 May 2026
Mousavi and his Aerospace Force are now crucial to Iran’s projection of deterrence.
—Hamidreza Azizi, Time, 9 May 2026
Wembanyama went 13 of 18 from the floor and 10 of 12 from the line, adding five blocks and a full night of paint deterrence as the Spurs won their second straight game after dropping the opener at home.
—CBS News, 9 May 2026
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
Cite this Entry
“Deterrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterrence. Accessed 21 May. 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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