deterrent
adjective
de·ter·rent di-ˈtər-ənt 
-ˈter-;
-ˈtə-rənt,
-ˈte-;
dē-
1
: serving to discourage, prevent, or inhibit : serving to deter
The ads had a deterrent effect on youth smoking.
2
: relating to deterrence
a deterrent view of punishment
deterrent noun
deterrently adverb
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web The only real question is how big this deterrent effect will be. 
Tom Spiggle, Forbes, 15 June 2022 Figuring that the deterrent effect of the ABP program started after the first bans were handed out, the researchers divided the results into two categories: 2008 to 2012, and 2013 to 2017. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 16 Mar. 2020 Anyone with an Internet connection and a little curiosity can see that, in the run-up to Putin’s invasion, Biden’s vice president, secretary of state, and national-security adviser all said the chance of sanctions would have a deterrent effect. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 26 Mar. 2022 However, there are no firm conclusions about the preventive or deterrent effect of international justice. Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, 15 Mar. 2022 The panel evaluates Russian President Vladimir Putin's immediate and long-term objectives and discusses how deterrent measures might be enhanced. CBS News, 16 Feb. 2022 And when perpetrators walk free, the deterrent effect of the justice system is undermined by a growing awareness that crimes are likely to go unpunished. James Cross, National Review, 27 July 2021 The $700 billion figure is on the higher end of public estimates of what is plausible, and those larger estimates assume sustained efforts and a deterrent effect of tougher enforcement. Richard Rubin, WSJ, 27 Apr. 2021 This, the paper’s authors suggest, is because any deterrent effect is outweighed by the effects on misdemeanants’ labor-market prospects. Charles Fain Lehman, National Review, 18 Apr. 2021 See More
Tom Spiggle, Forbes, 15 June 2022 Figuring that the deterrent effect of the ABP program started after the first bans were handed out, the researchers divided the results into two categories: 2008 to 2012, and 2013 to 2017. Alex Hutchinson, Outside Online, 16 Mar. 2020 Anyone with an Internet connection and a little curiosity can see that, in the run-up to Putin’s invasion, Biden’s vice president, secretary of state, and national-security adviser all said the chance of sanctions would have a deterrent effect. Matthew Continetti, National Review, 26 Mar. 2022 However, there are no firm conclusions about the preventive or deterrent effect of international justice. Shelley Inglis, The Conversation, 15 Mar. 2022 The panel evaluates Russian President Vladimir Putin's immediate and long-term objectives and discusses how deterrent measures might be enhanced. CBS News, 16 Feb. 2022 And when perpetrators walk free, the deterrent effect of the justice system is undermined by a growing awareness that crimes are likely to go unpunished. James Cross, National Review, 27 July 2021 The $700 billion figure is on the higher end of public estimates of what is plausible, and those larger estimates assume sustained efforts and a deterrent effect of tougher enforcement. Richard Rubin, WSJ, 27 Apr. 2021 This, the paper’s authors suggest, is because any deterrent effect is outweighed by the effects on misdemeanants’ labor-market prospects. Charles Fain Lehman, National Review, 18 Apr. 2021 See More Word History
Etymology
Latin deterrent-, deterrens, present participle of deterrēre to deter
First Known Use
1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Kids Definition
deterrent
noun
de·ter·rent
di-ˈtər-ənt,
-ˈter-
: something that makes someone decide not to do something
The alarm is a deterrent against theft.
deterrent 1 of 2
noun
as in obstacle
something that makes movement or progress difficult the homeowner put up a fence around his garden as a deterrent for animals Synonyms & Similar Words
Relevance
- obstacle
- hurdle
- barrier
- obstruction
- embarrassment
- hindrance
- impediment
- interference
- burden
- inhibition
- let
- stop
- encumbrance
- chain
- constraint
- handicap
- balk
- cramp
- shackles
- stumbling block
- clog
- danger
- delay
- block
- disadvantage
- hitch
- fetter
- holdback
- load
- curb
- restraint
- crimp
- trammel
- brake
- manacle
- blockade
- hazard
- drag
- arrest
- catch
- rub
- bar
- drawback
- stone wall
- blockage
- hardship
- difficulty
- embargo
- snag
- rein
- holdup
- brick wall
- peril
- stoppage
- stall
- bit
- reef
- hobble
- adversity
- check
- cumber
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- incentive
- impetus
- stimulus
- catalyst
- advantage
- spur
- stimulant
- benefit
- assistance
- aid
- goad
- edge
- break
- help
- boost
- handmaiden
- handmaid
deterrent
2 of 2adjective
as in preventive
Synonyms & Similar Words
- preventive
- protective
- defensive
- self-protective
- safe
- secure
Antonyms & Near Antonyms
- offensive
- aggressive
- belligerent
- warlike
- militant
- combative
- bellicose
- pugnacious
- truculent
- contentious
- in-your-face
- scrappy
- quarrelsome