1. the practice of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences
2. the use of punishment as a threat to prevent crime
Usage: legal
3. the maintenance of military power to discourage attack
Usage: military

Examples

• Nuclear deterrence helped prevent major wars during the Cold War.
• The security cameras serve as a deterrence to shoplifting.
• Capital punishment is often debated as a form of deterrence.
• The high fines act as a deterrence to illegal parking.
• Military deterrence requires maintaining credible defense capabilities.
• The company’s strict policies provide deterrence against workplace harassment.
• Police presence in the neighborhood serves as crime deterrence.