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
Movements of the SSGNs are also highly classified, but in recent years the Navy made occasional note of their presence near military hotspots, to send a message of deterrence.
—
Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Strategic deterrence, meanwhile, involves not only dissuading an adversary from pursuing specific actions or policies but also constraining that adversary while China advances its own objectives.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
This reality underpins Israel’s doctrine of deterrence, and its deepest anxieties.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
And how police use non-lethal methods of deterrence — such as rubber bullets and loud noises — can shape bear behavior.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 July 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Brad Lendon, CNN Money, 2 Aug. 2025
Strategic deterrence, meanwhile, involves not only dissuading an adversary from pursuing specific actions or policies but also constraining that adversary while China advances its own objectives.
—Ryan Chan, MSNBC Newsweek, 31 July 2025
This reality underpins Israel’s doctrine of deterrence, and its deepest anxieties.
—David Remnick, New Yorker, 28 July 2025
And how police use non-lethal methods of deterrence — such as rubber bullets and loud noises — can shape bear behavior.
—Los Angeles Times, 9 July 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 7 Aug. 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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