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

Taiwan has been steadily building a deterrent force and reworking a defensive strategy that is aimed at making China’s military think twice before attacking.

From The Wall Street Journal

He said that is a deterrent for U.S. buyers, unless targets offer strategic technology or are market leaders.

From The Wall Street Journal

Due to the "very high level of the terrorist threat" and "the risk of public disorder", Nunez asked local officials to strengthen security measures across the country with a visible and deterrent presence.

From Barron's

While so-called “acoustic fish deterrents” have been installed in lakes and rivers, no one has tried to put one miles out to sea, let alone in the murky Bristol Channel.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I think first offence we need to look at licence revocation, bail conditions, possible curfew and tag, something as a deterrent," she added.

From BBC

Related Words

• disincentive
• hindrance
• obstacle