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
Meanwhile, Caudle on Tuesday expressed concern about how the war with Iran is affecting the US Navy’s readiness and deterrence posture elsewhere.
—
Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Badinter knew that debate-club arguments about deterrence and human-rights law and the possibility of judicial error would be ineffective.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
The full impact won’t be seen until then, but so far, attorneys for victims say the law hasn’t led to deterrence and that the burden remains on victims.
—Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Justice delayed weakens deterrence.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2026
Badinter knew that debate-club arguments about deterrence and human-rights law and the possibility of judicial error would be ineffective.
—Lauren Collins, New Yorker, 1 Apr. 2026
The full impact won’t be seen until then, but so far, attorneys for victims say the law hasn’t led to deterrence and that the burden remains on victims.
—Miguel Torres, AZCentral.com, 1 Apr. 2026
Justice delayed weakens deterrence.
—Romy Ellenbogen, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 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 8 Apr. 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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