deterrence

[ dih-tur-uhns, -tuhr-, -ter- ]

noun

1. the act of deterring, especially deterring a nuclear attack by the capacity or threat of retaliating.

deterrence

1. A military capability sufficiently strong to discourage any would-be aggressor from starting a war because of the fear of retaliation. ( See balance of terror .)

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterrence¹

First recorded in 1860–65; deterr(ent) + -ence

Example Sentences

In announcing his choice of the “courageous and patriotic” Hegseth for the top defense job, Trump again touted his self-described policy of “peace through strength” — deterrence underpinned by a willingness to use military force when necessary.

From Los Angeles Times

South Korea briefly operated a nuclear weapons program in the 1970s before shutting it down and signing the international Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty in return for “extended nuclear deterrence” from the U.S. — the promise that Washington would use its own nuclear arsenal to protect South Korea from such an attack.

From Los Angeles Times

Capt Dave Snowden says he's happy to carry the banner of de-escalation or deterrence or even sail into harm's way - wherever the carrier's sent.

From BBC

"We propose placing on Ukrainian land a deterrence package that would either force Russia to participate in real peace negotiations or allow for the destruction of their military targets," Zelensky said.

From BBC

What effect does the nuclear winter hypothesis have on nuclear deterrence and our readiness to rely on nuclear weapons as a key element of defence?

From BBC