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Definition deterrence in British English

deterrence noun

[uncountable] noun
/dɪˈterəns/
1

the idea that people will decide not to do something if they believe that something unpleasant could happen to them as a result

2

the idea that the possession of a particular weapon will make other countries afraid to attack the country that owns it

Example

a policy of nuclear deterrence

Synonyms and related words
Definition deterrence in British English