deterrent
pronunciation
How to pronounce deterrent in British English:
UK [dɪˈterənt]
How to pronounce deterrent in American English:
US [dɪˈtɜːrənt]
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- Noun:
- something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress
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- Adjective:
- tending to deter
Word Origin
- deterrent
- 1829, noun and adjective, in Bentham, from Latin deterrentem, present participle of deterrere (see deter). In reference to nuclear weapons, from 1954.
Example
- 1. This is too lenient to be an effective deterrent .
- 2. Britain 's independent nuclear deterrent is preserved .
- 3. We are reducing our nuclear arsenal and reliance on nuclear weapons , while ensuring the reliability and effectiveness of our deterrent .
- 4. That would be deterrent enough .
- 5. Fines are a questionable deterrent in banking .