détente

[dey-tahnt; French dey-tahnt] /deɪˈtɑnt; French deɪˈtɑ̃t/
noun, plural détentes
[dey-tahnts; French dey-tahnt] /deɪˈtɑnts; French deɪˈtɑ̃t/ (Show IPA)
1.
a relaxing of tension, especially between nations, as by negotiations or agreements.
Also, detente.
Origin
1905-10; < French; see detent
Examples from the web for détente
  • Each time, there was an increased police presence and a flurry of arrests followed by a declared victory and then detente.
British Dictionary definitions for détente

détente

/deɪˈtɑːnt; French detɑ̃t/
noun
1.
the relaxing or easing of tension, esp between nations
Word Origin
French, literally: a loosening, from Old French destendre to release, from tendre to stretch
Word Origin and History for détente

detente

n.

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."

détente in Culture
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.