deterrent
n. countablen. 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.
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.
Often followed by the preposition 'to' or 'against'.
a deterrent for crimea deterrent to crimeWhile 'for' is sometimes used, 'to' is the standard preposition for indicating what is being discouraged.