de
te
rrent
Plural
deterrents
1
a thing that reduces the chances of someone doing something because it makes them aware of its difficulties or consequences
- Increased security measures serve as a deterrent to potential thieves.
- The lengthy prison sentences are intended to be a deterrent against serious crimes.
- The lack of sufficient funding was a deterrent to starting the new project.
- Public awareness campaigns can act as deterrents to risky behaviors.
- The complex application process proved to be a deterrent for many applicants.
2
a military strategy or capability designed to dissuade an adversary from aggression
- Nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent against potential nuclear attacks.
- A strong military alliance can act as a deterrent to invasion by other nations.
- A well-equipped and trained army can be a deterrent to neighboring countries considering acts of aggression.
- The presence of missile defense systems acts as a deterrent to missile strikes.
- Cybersecurity measures serve as a deterrent against cyberattacks on critical infrastructure.