Synonyms for détente


Grammar : Noun
Spell : dey-tahnt; French dey-tahnt
Phonetic Transcription : deɪˈtɑnt; French deɪˈtɑ̃t


Définition of détente

Origin :
  • 1908 as a political term, a borrowing of French détente "loosening, slackening" (used in the Middle Ages for the catch of a crossbow), from Vulgar Latin detendita, fem. past participle of Latin detendere "loosen, release," from de- "from, away" (see de-) + tendere "stretch" (see tenet). The reference is to a "relaxing" in a political situation. The French word was earlier borrowed as detent (1680s) "catch which regulates the strike in a clock."
  • noun peace
Example sentences :
  • The Ambassador quite appreciated that the purpose of the mission was to create a detente, as distinguished from an entente.
  • Extract from : « New York Times Current History: The European War, Vol. 8, Pt. 2, No. 1, July 1918 » by Various

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Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019