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detente - 3 dictionary results

dé⋅tente

[dey-tahnt; Fr. dey-tahnt]
–noun, plural -tentes [-tahnts; Fr. -tahnt] .
a relaxing of tension, esp. between nations, as by negotiations or agreements.
Also, de⋅tente.


Origin:
1905–10; < F; see detent
dé·tente   (dā-tänt', -täɴt')   
n.  
  1. A relaxing or easing, as of tension between rivals.
  2. A policy toward a rival nation or bloc characterized by increased diplomatic, commercial, and cultural contact and a desire to reduce tensions, as through negotiation or talks.

[French; see detent.]
dé·tent'ist n.

detente 
political term is 1908 borrowing of Fr. détente "loosening, slackening," used in O.Fr. for the catch of a crossbow, from V.L. detendita, fem. pp. of detendere "loosen, release," from de- "from, away" + tendere "stretch" (see tenet).
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