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
Can the U.S. pivot from a military deterrent to a more integrated strategy?
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 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
He locks the gate the rest of the time, but it’s hardly a deterrent, since all you have to do is hop the curb and drive around it.
From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson
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.
