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
Founded as a defense organization, NATO acclaimed the Western Alliance’s unity and its strategy of forward defense and deterrence.
—
Dr. Robert G. Rabil, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2024
Despite its name, game theory applies to a broad spectrum of topics beyond traditional games, including economic systems, nuclear deterrence and evolutionary biology.
—Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 16 July 2024
Effective deterrence requires greater speed, deeper innovation, and more fulsome collaboration than exists today.
—Byhoracio Rozanski, Fortune, 10 June 2024
Immigrant detention has never been effective in its intended goal whether this is exclusion or deterrence.
—Ana Raquel Minian, TIME, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for deterrence 
Dr. Robert G. Rabil, Sun Sentinel, 22 July 2024
Despite its name, game theory applies to a broad spectrum of topics beyond traditional games, including economic systems, nuclear deterrence and evolutionary biology.
—Jack Murtagh, Scientific American, 16 July 2024
Effective deterrence requires greater speed, deeper innovation, and more fulsome collaboration than exists today.
—Byhoracio Rozanski, Fortune, 10 June 2024
Immigrant detention has never been effective in its intended goal whether this is exclusion or deterrence.
—Ana Raquel Minian, TIME, 30 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for deterrence
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'deterrence.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Deterrence.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterrence. Accessed 1 Aug. 2024.
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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