détente

or de·tente

[ dey-tahnt; French dey-tahnt ]
/ deɪˈtɑnt; French deɪˈtɑ̃t /

noun, plural dé·tentes [dey-tahnts; French dey-tahnt] /deɪˈtɑnts; French deɪˈtɑ̃t/.

a relaxing of tension, especially between nations, as by negotiations or agreements.

Origin of détente

From French, dating back to 1905–10; see origin at detent

Example sentences from the Web for detente

British Dictionary definitions for detente

détente
/ (deɪˈtɑːnt, French detɑ̃t) /

noun

the relaxing or easing of tension, esp between nations

Word Origin for détente

French, literally: a loosening, from Old French destendre to release, from tendre to stretch

Cultural definitions for detente

détente
[ (day-tahnt) ]

A period of lessening tension between two major national powers, or a policy designed to lessen that tension. Détente presupposes that the two powers will continue to disagree but seeks to reduce the occasions of conflict.