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deterrence

 - 5 dictionary results

de⋅ter⋅rence

  [di-tur-uhns, -tuhr-, -ter-]
Use deterrence in a Sentence
–noun
the act of deterring, esp. deterring a nuclear attack by the capacity or threat of retaliating.
Origin:
1860–65; deterr(ent) + -ence
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To deterrence
de·ter·rence   (dĭ-tûr'əns, -tŭr'-)   
n.  

  1. The act or a means of deterring.

  2. Measures taken by a state or an alliance of states to prevent hostile action by another state.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Cultural Dictionary

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.)

The American Heritage® New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Legal Dictionary

Main Entry: de·ter·rence
Pronunciation: di-'t&r-&ns, -'ter-
Function: noun
: the inhibition of criminal behavior by fear esp. of punishment
Merriam-Webster's Dictionary of Law, © 1996 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: de·ter·rence
Pronunciation: di-'t&r-&n(t)s, -'ter-; -'t&-r&n(t)s, dE-
Function: noun
: the inhibition of criminalbehavior by fear especially of punishment
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
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