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Deterrence: meaning, definitions and examples

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deterrence

 

[ dɪˈtɜːrəns ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

criminal justice

The action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.

Synonyms

discouragement, dissuasion, inhibition

Examples of usage

  • The presence of security cameras in the area serves as a deterrence to potential thieves.
  • Harsher penalties are often used as a deterrence to prevent people from committing crimes.
  • The high visibility of police officers can act as a deterrence to illegal activities.
Context #2 | Noun

international relations

The use of threats or punishment to prevent hostile actions from other nations.

Synonyms

control, prevention, restraint

Examples of usage

  • Nuclear weapons are often seen as a deterrence against potential aggressors.
  • The policy of mutual assured destruction was a deterrence strategy during the Cold War.
  • Military alliances can serve as a deterrence to prevent conflicts.

Translations

Translations of the word "deterrence" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dissuasão

🇮🇳 निवारण

🇩🇪 Abschreckung

🇮🇩 pencegahan

🇺🇦 стримування

🇵🇱 odstraszanie

🇯🇵 抑止

🇫🇷 dissuasion

🇪🇸 disuasión

🇹🇷 caydırma

🇰🇷 억제

🇸🇦 الردع

🇨🇿 odstrašení

🇸🇰 odstrašovanie

🇨🇳 威慑

🇸🇮 odvračanje

🇮🇸 fæling

🇰🇿 қорқыту

🇬🇪 შემაკავებელი

🇦🇿 caydırıcılıq

🇲🇽 disuasión

Word origin

The concept of deterrence has been a key element in various fields such as criminal justice and international relations. In the context of criminal justice, deterrence aims to prevent crimes by instilling fear of consequences. In international relations, deterrence involves using threats or punishments to prevent hostile actions from other nations. The effectiveness of deterrence strategies has been a topic of debate among scholars and policymakers.

See also: deter, deterrent.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,821, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.