Translation guide
The act or policy of discouraging an action by instilling fear of consequences, especially in military, legal, or social contexts.
To express the idea of preventing an action by making the potential costs or risks clear.
The most direct and common translation for 'deterrence' in formal or abstract contexts, such as crime prevention or military strategy.
犯罪抑止のために街灯を増やした。
They increased streetlights for crime deterrence.
Literally 'deterrent power/force', often used in military or strategic contexts to refer to the capability to deter.
核抑止力は冷戦時代の重要な概念だった。
Nuclear deterrence was an important concept during the Cold War.
Refers to the 'deterrent effect' of a measure or policy.
この法律には抑止効果がある。
This law has a deterrent effect.
To describe the effect of punishment or threat that prevents a specific person from reoffending.
Literally 'prevention of repeat offenses', used in criminal justice contexts to mean specific deterrence.
刑務所の目的の一つは再犯防止だ。
One purpose of prison is specific deterrence.
Can also be used in this context, though it is broader.
To refer to the strategy of preventing attack by maintaining the capability to inflict unacceptable damage in return.
The standard term in military and strategic discourse.
拡大抑止は同盟国を守るための戦略だ。
Extended deterrence is a strategy to protect allies.
Emphasizes the capability or force aspect.
Specifically 'nuclear deterrence'.
To express the idea of making something less attractive or more difficult to do, often in informal contexts.
The verb form, usable in various contexts.
高い価格が購入を抑止している。
The high price is deterring purchases.
Means 'to dissuade' or 'to make someone think twice', often used when talking about discouraging a person from doing something.
彼の警告が私を思いとどまらせた。
His warning deterred me.
Literally 'to apply a brake', meaning to curb or deter an action or trend.
この規制は不正行為に歯止めをかけるだろう。
This regulation will deter misconduct.
抑止 (deterrence) focuses on discouraging an action through fear of consequences, while 防止 (prevention) is about stopping something from happening through direct measures. For example, a lock prevents theft (防止), while a security camera deters it (抑止).
In casual conversation, using 抑止 may sound overly formal or technical. For everyday deterrence, consider using phrases like 思いとどまらせる or やめさせる depending on context.
Strict penalties lead to individual deterrence.
その国は強力な軍事抑止力を持っている。
That country possesses a strong military deterrence capability.
核抑止政策は長年議論されてきた。
Nuclear deterrence policy has been debated for many years.