deterrent

noun
UK: /dɪˈter.ənt/
US: /dɪˈter.ənt/

  1. Something that stops someone from doing something.

    1. The high price was a deterrent to buying the fancy car that I wanted.
    2. Security cameras can act as a deterrent against theft in many retail stores, but are not foolproof.

  2. A weapon or set of weapons maintained by a country to discourage attack.

    1. Nuclear weapons are seen as a deterrent against large-scale conventional war.
    2. The country's military strength acts as a powerful deterrent to potential aggressors looking for a fight.

Synonyms

impediment restraint discouragement obstacle hindrance
deterrent adjective

  1. Serving or intended to deter someone from doing something.

    1. They hope the new law will have a deterrent effect on crime and violence.
    2. The company installed high fences as a deterrent measure to help with reducing trespassers.

Frequently Asked Questions

The word "deterrent" in English means: Something that stops someone from doing something., A weapon or set of weapons maintained by a country to discourage attack..

The phonetic transcription of "deterrent" is /dɪˈter.ənt/ in British English and /dɪˈter.ənt/ in American English. Click the 🔊 button to hear both pronunciations.

Synonyms for "deterrent": impediment, restraint, discouragement, obstacle, hindrance.

Example usage of "deterrent": "The high price was a deterrent to buying the fancy car that I wanted.". More examples on the page.