deterrence

[dih-tur-uhns, -ter-]

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

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'

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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.'