Dictionary.com

deterrent

[ dih-tur-uhnt, -tuhr-, -ter- ]
/ dÉȘˈtɜr ənt, -ˈtʌr-, -ˈtɛr- /
Save This Word!

adjective
serving or tending to deter.
noun
something that prevents, checks, or suppresses: a deterrent to crime.
something that repels: Our lemongrass-based bug deterrent is natural, safe, and effective.
military strength or an ability to defend a country or retaliate strongly enough to deter an enemy from attacking.
QUIZ
CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?
There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?
Question 1 of 7
Which sentence is correct?

Origin of deterrent

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

OTHER WORDS FROM deterrent

de·ter·rent·ly, adverbnon·de·ter·rent, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use deterrent in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for deterrent

deterrent
/ (dÉȘˈtɛrənt) /

noun
something that deters
a weapon or combination of weapons, esp nuclear, held by one state, etc, to deter attack by another
adjective
tending or used to deter; restraining

Derived forms of deterrent

deterrence, noun

Word Origin for deterrent

C19: from Latin dēterrēns hindering; see deter
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
FEEDBACK