deterrent
Americanadjective
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.
noun
-
something that deters
-
a weapon or combination of weapons, esp nuclear, held by one state, etc, to deter attack by another
adjective
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Our adversaries or neutral powers may do this, as a deterrent against American aggression.
From Slate • Apr. 8, 2026
Germany has asked France to extend its independent nuclear deterrent to European partners, something France agreed to this month.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
Swift and effective prosecution can be a much stronger deterrent to misconduct than regulations that aim to prevent misconduct but rarely do.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026
US Navy ships would "provide a deterrent effect," and could also "respond if the tankers get fired upon," he said.
From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026
Instinctively Matthias knew this was a good defense and a formidable deterrent.
From "Redwall" by Brian Jacques
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
