Word
deterrent
Phoneticsde·ter·rent, stress on the second syllable
US/dɪˈtɝɹənt/
UK/dɪtˈɜːɹənt/
Countable noun
Definition
n. something that stops you from doing something because you are afraid of the consequences. It makes a bad action seem not worth the risk.
n. a factor or measure that discourages or prevents a particular action by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
Examples
“The high fine is a strong deterrent against speeding.”
“Installing visible security cameras serves as an effective deterrent to potential shoplifters in the retail district.”
“The debate over whether capital punishment acts as a genuine deterrent to violent crime remains a central point of contention in modern legal philosophy.”
Examples
simple
“The high fine is a strong deterrent against speeding.”
contextual
“Installing visible security cameras serves as an effective deterrent to potential shoplifters in the retail district.”
complex
“The debate over whether capital punishment acts as a genuine deterrent to violent crime remains a central point of contention in modern legal philosophy.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to' or 'against'.
Pitfall
a deterrent for crime
a deterrent to crime
While 'for' is sometimes used, 'to' is the standard preposition for indicating what is being discouraged.
Real-World Examples
“They don't turn people away, and their strictness isn't a deterrent, but there are a lot of cultural norms for those interested in converting to absorb.” “Thornberry said that while she did not agree on a full ban on Israeli goods, she thought a ban on those from the West Bank would be part of a deterrent.” Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Pre-1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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