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

On Sunday, Kim oversaw a test-launch of what Pyongyang’s state media claimed were hypersonic missiles—capabilities that underscored a need for a “nuclear war deterrent,” the North Korean leader was quoted as saying.

From The Wall Street Journal

Pyongyang has for decades justified its nuclear and missile programmes as a deterrent against alleged regime change efforts by Washington.

From Barron's

United Utilities advises that the best deterrent is insulating pipes so they don't freeze.

From BBC

She said the introduction of body-worn video cameras was acting as a deterrent.

From BBC

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

Related Words

• disincentive
• hindrance
• obstacle