# deterrence

/dɪˈtɝəns/ (US) · /dɪtˈɜːɹəns/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/deterrence
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

the act of stopping someone from doing something by making them fear the consequences. It is often used to describe how a strong army or a strict punishment keeps people from committing a crime.

For teachers: the prevention of an action through the threat of punishment or the presence of a more attractive alternative. Often used in political or legal contexts to describe the strategic use of force to prevent conflict.

## Examples

- The threat of a heavy fine serves as a strong deterrence.
- The government increased the number of police patrols to act as a deterrent against petty crime in the city center.
- The theory of nuclear deterrence relies on the principle that the potential for total annihilation is the only force capable of preventing a nation from initiating a first strike.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.