deterrence

Short definition from Wiktionary

Noun

1. 1
   The act of deterring, or the state of being deterred.
2. 2
   Action taken by states or alliances of nations against equally powerful alliances to prevent hostile action.
3. 3
   The art of producing in one's enemy the fear of attacking.
4. 4
   The art of producing in one's enemy the fear of attacking: nuclear deterrence: discouraging nuclear attack through the threat of nuclear retaliation.
5. 5
   The action of discouraging an action or event by instilling doubt or fear of the penalty or punishment.