adj C2 Proficient Uncommon

deterrent

dih-TEH-ruhnt

Deterrent (adj) means acting to discourage someone from doing something. Example: “The fine is meant to have a deterrent effect on speeding.”

adj

Acting to discourage someone from doing something.

"The fine is meant to have a deterrent effect on speeding."

noun

Something that discourages an action, especially through fear of consequences.

"A visible alarm system can be a strong deterrent to burglars."

"Nuclear weapons are often described as a deterrent rather than a weapon of use."

How to use deterrent

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishSomething put in place to scare or discourage people from doing something.

Common pairings

act as a deterrent deterrent effect nuclear deterrent

Word forms

more deterrent comparative, deterrents plural, most deterrent superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.

Test yourself on “deterrent” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The fine is meant to have a _____ effect on speeding.

Etymology

From Latin deterrens, the present participle of deterrere ("to frighten away, deter").

Origin: Latin

Synonyms

View more →

check handicap impediment hindrance balk baulk hinderance

Related words

control cause check hold match bill train condition

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.

People also searched

control cause check hold match bill train condition