deter
verb (used with object)
to discourage or restrain from acting or proceeding.
deters
-
present tense formof deter (3rd person singular).present tense
Used to describe things happening now or regularly.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
That’s what “nuclear deterrence” is all about; the possession of nuclear weapons deters others from behaving aggressively.
From Slate ● Sep. 10, 2026
I think some of that deters people from coming to downtown even if you have a cool place and a cool party,” Origin’s co-founder Roni Mehrabian said.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 8, 2026
Evidence that the CTA deters real criminals is thin.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 6, 2026
Only very poor weather deters them from trading, with slightly shorter opening hours in the winter.
From BBC ● May 19, 2026
The others have turned pale; let’s hope it deters them.
From "All Quiet on the Western Front: A Novel" by Erich Maria Remarque
