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

"Is it going to be a deterrent ? I think people will need to be extremely careful when they're coming into the city," she added.

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Pressuring Russia on other fronts could be its own deterrent.

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Mother Caroline Willgoose says "kids are going to school frightened" and the installation of knife arches could be a deterrent to crime.

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Investigators told the inquest a yellow warning label above the window bearing the words 'Caution do not lean out of window when train is moving' was an insufficient deterrent.

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Recently 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.

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Related Words

• disincentive 
• hindrance 
• obstacle