deterrent

American  

[dih-tur-uhnt, -tuhr-, -ter-] / dɪˈtɜr ənt, -ˈtʌr-, -ˈtɛr- /

adjective

1. serving or tending to deter.

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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 British  

/ 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

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adjective

1. tending or used to deter; restraining

Other Word Forms

• deterrence noun
• deterrently adverb
• nondeterrent adjective

Etymology

Origin of deterrent

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

Example Sentences

This is a fundamental transformation from a minimal deterrent to strategic parity with America and Russia in both quality and quantity.

From The Wall Street Journal

The findings could have major implications for the National Nuclear Security Administration, which is responsible for maintaining the nation's nuclear deterrent.

From Science Daily

The German leader also revealed that "confidential talks" were ongoing with Macron on creating a joint European nuclear deterrent.

From BBC

So can the media, and perhaps even the prospect of more scrutiny will be a deterrent to fraud.

From The Wall Street Journal

“Despite the rebound, price action continues to look positioning-driven rather than fundamentally new, with volatility still acting as a deterrent to broader participation,” analysts at Sucden Financial said.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• disincentive
• hindrance
• obstacle