deterrent

adjective

de·​ter·​rent di-ˈtər-ənt How to pronounce deterrent (audio)
-ˈter-;
-ˈtə-rənt,
-ˈte-;
dē-
1
: serving to discourage, prevent, or inhibit : serving to deter
The ads had a deterrent effect on youth smoking.
2
: relating to deterrence
a deterrent view of punishment
deterrent noun
deterrently adverb

Examples of deterrent in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Supporters of Proposition 313, referred to voters by the Legislature, argued that discretion in sentencing leads to shorter prison terms and that life sentences would have a deterrent effect. Miguel Torres, The Arizona Republic, 5 Nov. 2024 The deterrent effect of these policies has proved difficult to measure and appears to have been quite limited. Julia Preston, Foreign Affairs, 25 Oct. 2024 That sustained dip was due, Clayton guesses, to the deterrent effect of the operation on potential booter customers. Andy Greenberg, WIRED, 9 May 2023 The First Circuit agreed with the lower court, holding that FBAR penalties — acknowledged to be partly deterrent in nature — are not subject to the constitutional protection against excessive fines. Robert Goulder, Forbes, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for deterrent 

Word History

Etymology

Latin deterrent-, deterrens, present participle of deterrēre to deter

First Known Use

1829, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of deterrent was in 1829

Dictionary Entries Near deterrent

Cite this Entry

“Deterrent.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/deterrent. Accessed 23 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

deterrent

adjective
de·​ter·​rent di-ˈtər-ənt How to pronounce deterrent (audio)
-ˈter-
: able or acting to deter
deterrent noun
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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