deterrent (dɪˈtɛrənt
)
Definitions
noun
- something that deters
- a weapon or combination of weapons, esp nuclear, held by one state, etc, to deter attack by another
adjective
- tending or used to deter; restraining
Alternative Forms
deˈterrence nounWord Origin
C19: from Latin dēterrēns hindering; see deterSynonyms
View thesaurus entry=
discouragement,
obstacle,
curb,
restraint,
impediment,
check,
hindrance,
disincentive,
defensive measures
determent,
Usage examples
There was a moment of anticipation as the crowd waited, but the rain was a significant deterrent.
, TREASON KEEP (2001)Clearly, there should be a sense of proportion even in deterrent laws.
India Today (1996)This antitrust ruling deprived PeopleSoft of perhaps its strongest takeover deterrent.
canada.com (2004)Certainly, research suggests that the best deterrent is the simple, unvarnished giving of facts.
Glasgow Herald (2002)Nobody really believes in building a conventional ` deterrent " of that kind -- it is simply too expensive.
, After Thatcher (1989)