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View synonyms for deterrent

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
“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


adjective

  1. tending or used to deter; restraining
“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
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Derived Forms

  • deˈterrence, noun
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Other Words From

  • de·terrent·ly adverb
  • nonde·terrent adjective
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Word History and Origins

Origin of deterrent1

First recorded in 1820–30; from Latin dēterrent- (stem of dēterrēns ), present participle of dēterrēre; deter, -ent
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Word History and Origins

Origin of deterrent1

C19: from Latin dēterrēns hindering; see deter
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Example Sentences

Freeman’s industry contacts made it clear that 90 days in jail wouldn’t be much of a deterrent.

The pair also are requesting that Congress give the FTC power to issue large civil penalties to first-time offending businesses as a further deterrent to engaging in schemes like Amazon’s, which FTC commissioners called “outrageous.”

From Vox

While collecting wastage data is a good business practice, O’Leary said it is most useful as a deterrent against vaccine providers mishandling or discarding doses irresponsibly.

The stock market’s record altitude was no deterrent to individual investors last month, who in true 2020 fashion ended the year snapping up shares.

From Fortune

Criminologists find that other consequences of problematic drug use – such as harm to health, reduced quality of life and strained personal relationships – are more effective deterrents than criminal sanctions.

This is supposed to act as a deterrent, but may be an incitement.

The Iranians thought they needed a credible nuclear deterrent, even if it was virtual, to assure the survival of their regime.

Prosecutors described the verdict and the sentencing as a “deterrent.”

Still, there may be a deterrent for women that is far less spoken about, at least in polite circles.

Concealed carry is good for responding to a crime in progress; open carry is a deterrent to it.

As an adjunct of the policy of the deterrent workhouse for the able-bodied, we have to note the coming-in of compulsory detection.

It is clear that a sentence of a year or two, or even more each time that a crime is committed, does not act as a deterrent.

To this it may be answered that punishment for crime is not intended to be retaliatory, but admonitory and deterrent.

It was the infinite pity of His heart that led Him to use a word which might prove the very strongest deterrent.

Quay accommodation is no object to such visitors; intricate navigation no deterrent.

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deterrencedetersive