deterrent Hear it!

deterrent Definition

de·ter·rent (--ənt)

adjective

deterring or tending to deter

Etymology: L deterrens, prp. of deterrere: see deter

noun

a thing or factor that deters; hindrance

deterrent Synonyms

deterrent

n.

deterrent Usage Examples

Possessives

nation: And it would stop us from ensuring the safety and reliability of our nation's deterrent, should the need arise.

Converse of object

  • retain: In our recent policy document we state that we will retain the British nuclear deterrent, Trident.
  • prove: Large, highly visible locks have proven very effective deterrents in blocks of garages.
  • maintain: For the foreseeable future we will be maintaining the nuclear deterrent.
  • acquire: North Korea must follow suit; therefore, Japan had better acquire a nuclear deterrent.

Adjective modifier

  • nuclear: A credible nuclear deterrent remains vital for US security.
  • credible: A credible nuclear deterrent remains vital for US security.
  • ultrasonic: The latest version of our ultrasonic animal deterrent now features a preprogrammed microcontroller and incorporates extra features.
  • visible: The Blue Badge Protector is a visible deterrent to thieves.
  • strategic: In our view, the UK should make a clear decision on whether to retain the strategic nuclear deterrent.
  • effective: To protect them, lockable wheel nuts are an effective deterrent.

Modifies a noun

  • posture: The problems of the deterrent posture for Western Europe have given rise to two schools of thought.
  • effect: Visually marked property does have a deterrent effect upon the thief.
  • capability: We are the only nuclear weapon state to have reduced its deterrent capability to a single nuclear weapons system, Trident.
  • force: Our deterrent force is not aimed to attack somebody without any proper reason.

Noun used with modifier

  • burglar: A border of at least a meter, filled with thorny shrubs is a great burglar deterrent.
  • slug: Is it purely as a pet, for eggs, as a snail and slug deterrent or for meat?
  • theft: FREE - Three theft deterrent warning signs with each pair of branding irons.
  • alcohol: The longer a patient took an alcohol deterrent, the researchers found, the more likely he or she was to stay sober.
  • cat: Ask your garden center to suggest cat deterrent plants you can scatter around.