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Definition of deterrent

deterrent

/dɪˈtɜːr.ənt/
de · ter · rent
Plural:deterrents
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deterrent Lexical Profile

deterrent Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

A thing, measure, or circumstance that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.

Example

"Visible security cameras and bright lighting act as an effective deterrent against vandalism."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• adjective

1

Serving or intended to discourage, prevent, or inhibit an action or behavior.

Example

"The regulatory board introduced a deterrent penalty to prevent companies from dumping waste into the river."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for deterrent
Antonyms
View all antonyms for deterrent

• Rhymes for deterrent

• Nearby Words

determinedness
determiner
deterrence
deterrent
deterrer
detest
detestable

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the early 19th century from Latin deterrens, the present participle of deterrere ('to frighten away or discourage'), formed from de- ('away from') and terrere ('to frighten').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deterrent. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deterrent
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