deterrence Definition
- 1the act of discouraging someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences
- 2the state of being deterred from doing something
Using deterrence: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "deterrence" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The high security measures at the airport serve as a deterrence to potential terrorists.
Example
The harsh punishment for drunk driving is a deterrence for many people.
Example
The presence of police officers on the streets is a deterrence to crime.
Example
The threat of nuclear retaliation serves as a deterrence against aggression.
deterrence Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for deterrence
Antonyms for deterrence
Phrases with deterrence
the use of nuclear weapons as a means of deterrence against an enemy
Example
The policy of nuclear deterrence has been a controversial issue for many years.
a theory that suggests that the threat of punishment can prevent people from committing crimes
Example
Deterrence theory has been criticized for its failure to take into account the social and economic factors that contribute to criminal behavior.
a situation in which the threat of punishment is seen as real and likely to be carried out
Example
For credible deterrence to work, the punishment must be severe enough to outweigh the benefits of committing the crime.
Origins of deterrence
from Latin 'deterrentia', meaning 'hindrance'
Summary: deterrence in Brief
Deterrence [dih-tur-uhns, -ter-] is the act of discouraging someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences. It is often used in the context of preventing crime or terrorism, exemplified by 'The high security measures at the airport serve as a deterrence to potential terrorists.' Deterrence can also refer to the state of being deterred from doing something, such as 'The harsh punishment for drunk driving is a deterrence for many people.'