How to pronounce deterrence
Say it like dih-TUR-uns. Deterrence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce deterrence. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- dih
- TUR
- uns
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Deterrence pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- TURSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ur" in nurse.
- unsKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of deterrence
- Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead.
British respelling: dih-TER-uns.
What does deterrence mean?
- The act of deterring, or the state of being deterred.“The policy relies on nuclear deterrence.”
- An action taken by states or alliances of nations against equally powerful alliances to prevent hostile action.“policy of deterrence”
- The art of producing in one's enemy the fear of attacking.
Where does deterrence come from?
From the stem of deterrent + -ence.
Words that rhyme with deterrence
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of deterrence.
Questions about saying deterrence
How do you pronounce deterrence?
Say dih-TUR-uns. The American pronunciation is /dɪˈtɝəns/. In British English it is /dɪˈtɛrəns/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in deterrence?
Deterrence has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (TUR). Broken into parts: dih · TUR · uns.
Is deterrence pronounced differently in British English?
Yes. Americans pronounce the r after a vowel; most British speakers leave it silent and lengthen the vowel instead. The British form is /dɪˈtɛrəns/ (dih-TER-uns).