deterrent

Everyday

1. A deterrent is something that makes people decide not to do a thing, because of the trouble or danger it would bring. tree →
2. As an adjective: having that effect, as in «a deterrent effect». tree →
3. (formal) Weapons a country keeps so that others are afraid to attack it. tree →

In the lessons

Used in safety, rules, law and nature (an animal's bad taste is a deterrent to predators). Phrases: «act as a deterrent», «a strong deterrent», «a deterrent to crime». It tells the reader why something is in place: to stop something before it happens.

Examples

• A loud alarm is a good deterrent to burglars. tree →
• Bright colours on a frog act as a deterrent to birds. tree →
• The fine for parking there is a strong deterrent. tree →
• Spikes on the wall are a deterrent to climbers. tree →
• The teacher hoped detention would be a deterrent. tree →
• A dog barking is a deterrent for strangers. tree →

Note

Spelling: one r in «deter», but «deterrent» has double r. Countable: a deterrent. Do not confuse with «detergent» (soap for washing).