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

Derived Forms

• deˈterrence, noun

Other Words From

• de·terrent·ly adverb
• nonde·terrent 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

Ms Oates said there needed to be a "strong deterrent" for businesses that did not train staff properly, adding that "it's just not acceptable that people would go to a venue expecting to get help and not get the help that they need".

From BBC

The researchers said: "Our results reveal the importance of a dark silhouette against a lighter background in predatory behaviour in great white sharks and that altering the silhouette may form the basis of new non-invasive shark deterrent technology to protect human life."

From BBC

US President-elect Donald Trump has doubled down on his campaign promise of the mass deportation of illegal immigrants, saying the cost of doing so will not be a deterrent.

From BBC

But the reality is Nato leaders will be seriously worried about what his victory means for the alliance’s future and how its deterrent effect is perceived by hostile leaders.

From BBC

That’s because it lacks a critical deterrent in white collar crime cases: criminal charges against TD’s top executives who were in place while the lawbreaking was in full cry.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• disincentive
• hindrance
• obstacle