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

And some inmates argue about the deterrent effect.

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Some Ukrainian officials have cited as a model the powerful military built by Israel as a deterrent to its adversaries.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

This lifestyle has also fostered an arms race of chemical deterrents to prevent the sponges from being eaten.

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The action was taken after a months-long campaign of using nonlethal deterrents, he said.

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Nevertheless, the official added, "we don't want to be cowboys and jumping on ships. The act of monitoring ships is a deterrent in itself".

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Related Words

• disincentive 
• hindrance 
• obstacle