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

• deterrence noun
• deterrently adverb
• nondeterrent adjective

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

Prosecutions are rare and the potential penalties are typically viewed as deterrents.

From Los Angeles Times

In July, France and the UK agreed on a "one in, one out" returns deal, which was designed as a deterrent to stop boats from crossing the Channel.

From BBC

Any savings would depend on how much of a deterrent it would be in discouraging asylum seekers from coming to the UK.

From BBC

"Before, during, and after the founding of the United States, our cities, States, and country have continuously relied upon capital punishment as the ultimate deterrent and only proper punishment for the vilest crimes," it added.

From BBC

But bosses, including the CEOs of Nationwide and DPD, want the law to go further and cover all sectors to act as a deterrent.

From BBC

Related Words

• disincentive 
• hindrance 
• obstacle