deterrent
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for deterrent, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Acting to discourage someone from doing something.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use deterrent
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin deterrens, the present participle of deterrere ("to frighten away, deter").
Full origin of deterrent →Frequently asked questions
What does “deterrent” mean?
The word “deterrent” means acting to discourage someone from doing something. In plain terms, something put in place to scare or discourage people from doing something.
How do you pronounce “deterrent”?
“Deterrent” is pronounced dih-TEH-ruhnt (/dɪˈtɝənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “deterrent” in a sentence?
Here is “deterrent” used in a sentence: “The fine is meant to have a deterrent effect on speeding.”
What part of speech is “deterrent”?
Depending on how it is used, “deterrent” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “deterrent” come from?
The word “deterrent” comes from Latin. From Latin deterrens, the present participle of deterrere ("to frighten away, deter").
Is “deterrent” a common word?
“Deterrent” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the C2 level.
How many meanings does “deterrent” have?
“Deterrent” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: acting to discourage someone from doing something.