View synonyms for deterrence

deterrence

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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

deterrence

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 .)

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

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