deterrent

[dih-tur-uhnt, -tuhr-, -ter-]

adjective

1. serving or tending to deter.

noun

1. something that prevents, checks, or suppresses.

   a deterrent to crime.

2. something that repels.

   Our lemongrass-based bug deterrent is natural, safe, and effective.

   Synonyms: hindrance, check, curb, restraint

3. military strength or an ability to defend a country or retaliate strongly enough to deter an enemy from attacking.

deterrent

/ dɪˈtɛrənt /

noun

1. something that deters

2. a weapon or combination of weapons, esp nuclear, held by one state, etc, to deter attack by another

adjective

1. tending or used to deter; restraining

Other Word Forms

• deterrently adverb
• nondeterrent adjective
• deterrence noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterrent¹

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin dēterrent- (stem of dēterrēns ), present participle of dēterrēre; deter, -ent

Word History and Origins

Origin of deterrent¹

C19: from Latin dēterrēns hindering; see _deter

Example Sentences

Investigators told the inquest a yellow warning label above the window bearing the words 'Caution do not lean out of window when train is moving' was an insufficient deterrent.

From BBC

Recently France and the UK agreed on a "one in, one out" returns deal, which was designed as a deterrent to stop boats from crossing the Channel.

From BBC

Friends of the Earth said unless there was a more effective deterrent there would be "more and more of these shocking crimes against water".

From BBC

“That at least begins to set a deterrent for the federal government going too far on this.”

From Los Angeles Times

The example of this double accountability may act as a deterrent for other Brazilian leaders who might want to follow his examples.

From Salon

Related Words

• disincentive 
• hindrance 
• obstacle