noun

• The act of deterring, or the state of being deterred.
• Action taken by states or alliances of nations against equally powerful alliances to prevent hostile action.
• The art of producing in one's enemy the fear of attacking.
• (specifically) nuclear deterrence: discouraging nuclear attack through the threat of nuclear retaliation.
• The action of discouraging an action or event by instilling doubt or fear of the penalty or punishment.