deterrence

Everyday

1. Stopping people from doing something by making them afraid of what would happen to them if they did it. tree →
2. (politics) The idea that a country can stop attacks by having strong weapons that would hit back. tree →

In the lessons

In citizenship and history lessons, deterrence explains why there are punishments and fines: to stop people breaking rules. In news and the Cold War topic, «nuclear deterrence» means countries keep weapons hoping never to use them. In everyday safety, CCTV signs are a deterrent to thieves. Phrases: «nuclear deterrence», «as a deterrence», «deterrent».

Examples

• Fines for littering are a form of deterrence. tree →
• The bright lights act as deterrence against burglars. tree →
• During the Cold War, both sides relied on nuclear deterrence. tree →
• Some people argue that deterrence works better than punishment after a crime. tree →
• The guard dog provides deterrence. tree →
• Deterrence only works if people believe the threat. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Related: deter (verb: to put someone off), deterrent (noun: the thing that deters). Spelled with double «r». People argue about how well deterrence works; it is a debated idea, not a proven fact.