deterrence
English
editEtymology
editFrom the stem of deterrent + -ence.[1]
Pronunciation
edit- (Received Pronunciation) IPA(key): /dɪˈtɛɹəns/
Audio (Southern England): (file)
Noun
editdeterrence (countable and uncountable, plural deterrences)
- The act of deterring, or the state of being deterred.
- Action taken by states or alliances of nations against equally powerful alliances to prevent hostile action.
- The art of producing in one's enemy the fear of attacking.
- (specifically) nuclear deterrence: discouraging nuclear attack through the threat of nuclear retaliation.
- The action of discouraging an action or event by instilling doubt or fear of the penalty or punishment.
Synonyms
editDerived terms
editTranslations
editact of deterring
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action taken by states or alliances
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art of producing fear of attacking
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- The translations below need to be checked and inserted above into the appropriate translation tables. See instructions at Wiktionary:Entry layout § Translations.
Translations to be checked
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References
edit- ^ Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “deterrence”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.