I. də̇ˈtər.ən(t)s, dēˈ-, -tə.rə- also -terə- or -tə̄rə-; esp in emphatic positions -tərn- or -tern- noun
( -s )
Etymology: deter + -ence
: the act or process of deterring ; especially : the restraint and discouragement of crime by fear (as by the exemplary punishment of convicted offenders)
II. noun
: the maintaining of vast military power and weaponry in order to discourage war