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
That morphed following its devastating 1980s war with Iraq into more of an effort to provide a level of deterrence as Arab nations around it purchased sophisticated American bombs, warplanes and tanks that Tehran couldn’t access due to sanctions.
—
Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
But the report concludes that to make the pivot successful, Washington must invest in new logistics and infrastructure—and define whether Puerto Rico’s growing role is a matter of deterrence or the first step in a broader campaign against Venezuela.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Considered one of the most precise and dependable strategic weapons ever built, the Trident II remains a cornerstone of the US and UK’s nuclear deterrence forces, operated by the US Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs and the Royal Navy.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Botanical alternatives such as neem and pyrethrins in canola oil provide three to four days of deterrence.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for deterrence
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Jason Ma, Fortune, 12 Oct. 2025
But the report concludes that to make the pivot successful, Washington must invest in new logistics and infrastructure—and define whether Puerto Rico’s growing role is a matter of deterrence or the first step in a broader campaign against Venezuela.
—Amir Daftari, MSNBC Newsweek, 10 Oct. 2025
Considered one of the most precise and dependable strategic weapons ever built, the Trident II remains a cornerstone of the US and UK’s nuclear deterrence forces, operated by the US Navy’s Strategic Systems Programs and the Royal Navy.
—Neetika Walter, Interesting Engineering, 9 Oct. 2025
Botanical alternatives such as neem and pyrethrins in canola oil provide three to four days of deterrence.
—Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 6 Oct. 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 17 Oct. 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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