威慑 wēishè to deter
How to remember 威慑: 威 might + 慑 afraid = to deter.
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How it is used
- 'To deter' by a show of force - 核威慑 (hé wēishè) nuclear deterrence; 形成威慑 (xíngchéng wēishè) to create a deterrent.
- Military/strategic and formal; the intimidation is meant to prevent an opponent from acting.
- Distinct from 恐吓 (kǒnghè, to threaten/menace an individual); 威慑 is strategic, impersonal deterrence.