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deterrent

noun

/dɪˈtɛrənt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of deterrent

Something that serves to discourage or prevent a particular action or behavior.
"The surveillance cameras serve as a deterrent for shoplifting in the store."

Detailed meaning of deterrent

It is often used in the context of crime or security, where it refers to measures or policies that are intended to deter criminal activity or prevent a particular type of crime. For example, a city might install surveillance cameras as a deterrent to vandalism, or a government might increase the penalties for a particular crime in order to deter people from committing it.

In military and foreign policy, deterrent refers to the capability and the willingness to use military force or other means to prevent an adversary from taking an action deemed harmful or aggressive, such as a nuclear deterrent, which refers to the capability of nuclear weapons to prevent a nuclear war.

In general, the term implies that there is something that serves to discourage or prevent a particular action or behavior, whether it's crime, aggression or any other unwanted activity, and that it can be a measure, a policy, a capability or a willingness to use force if necessary.

Example sentences containing deterrent

1. The threat of punishment serves as a deterrent for criminal behavior.
2. The high cost of the product serves as a deterrent for potential buyers.
3. The strict laws serve as a deterrent for illegal activities.
4. The harsh winter serves as a deterrent for outdoor activities.
5. The fear of failure serves as a deterrent for many people.
6. The penalties for breaking the rules serve as a deterrent for students.

History and etymology of deterrent

The noun 'deterrent' finds its origins in the Latin word 'deterrentis,' which is the present participle of 'deterrere,' meaning 'to deter' or 'to discourage.' The Latin word 'de-' signifies 'away from' or 'off,' while 'terrere' means 'to frighten' or 'to scare.' Thus, 'deterrent' etymologically means something that frightens or discourages, serving as a preventive measure. In its modern usage, a deterrent is often an object or factor that dissuades individuals or entities from engaging in a particular action or behavior due to the anticipation of negative consequences. The etymology of 'deterrent' highlights its historical association with discouraging or dissuading actions through fear or apprehension, emphasizing its role in preventing undesirable outcomes.

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Further usage examples of deterrent

1. The deployment of troops serves as a deterrent for aggression from other countries.
2. The high interest rates serve as a deterrent for borrowers.
3. The warnings on cigarette packs serve as a deterrent for smokers.
4. The strict regulations serve as a deterrent for companies breaking the law.
5. The possibility of getting caught serves as a deterrent for criminals.
6. Nuclear weapons are often seen as a deterrent to large-scale conflicts.
7. The presence of security cameras serves as a crime deterrent.
8. Strict penalties can be an effective deterrent against white-collar crime.
9. Cybersecurity measures act as a deterrent to online threats.
10. A visible police presence can be a powerful deterrent to criminal activity.
11. The fear of punishment is a strong deterrent for some potential wrongdoers.
12. The electric fence was intended as a deterrent to trespassers.
13. Investing in education can be a deterrent to youth delinquency.
14. Vaccination is a vital deterrent against the spread of contagious diseases.
15. The prospect of losing their job is a deterrent to employee misconduct.
16. High insurance premiums can serve as a deterrent to reckless driving.
17. International treaties are aimed at nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation to reduce deterrence.
18. Public awareness campaigns act as a deterrent to harmful behaviors.
19. Early intervention programs can be a powerful deterrent to juvenile crime.
20. Wildlife conservation efforts aim to preserve species as a deterrent to extinction.
21. The threat of legal action can act as a deterrent in contract disputes.
22. Well-lit streets serve as a crime deterrent in urban areas.
23. Strict border controls are a deterrent to illegal immigration.
24. Economic sanctions are often used as a deterrent against hostile nations.
25. Environmental regulations function as a deterrent to polluting industries.