Deterrence in an international relations context is the application of deterrence theory to avoid conflict.

The meaning of DETERRENCE is the act or process of deterring. How to use deterrence in a sentence.

Discouraging and putting off (Definition of deterrence from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

Deterrence is the prevention of something, especially war or crime, by having something such as weapons or punishment to use as a threat. ...policies of nuclear deterrence.

DETERRENCE meaning: 1 : the act of making someone decide not to do something the act of preventing a particular act or behavior from happening; 2 : the policy of developing a lot of …

deterrence The prevention from action by fear of the consequences. Deterrence is a state of mind brought about by the existence of a credible threat of unacceptable counteraction. Dictionary …

May 24, 2023 · Deterrence simply means dissuading bad behavior with the threat of significant punishment. It’s a practice that dates back millennia and extends beyond international relations.

deterrence, n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Dec 27, 2025 · deterrence (countable and uncountable, plural deterrences) The act of deterring, or the state of being deterred. An action taken by states or alliances of nations against equally …

Scholars have examined many varieties of deterrence—extended, immediate, general, denial, punishment, etc.—and have applied them to many different areas—nuclear and conventional …