First Known Use: 1829
Dictionary
deterrent
adjective de·ter·rent \-ənt, -rənt\
Definition of DETERRENT
1
: serving to deter <a deterrent effect>
2
: relating to deterrence <a deterrent view of punishment>
— deterrent noun
— de·ter·rent·ly adverb
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Origin of DETERRENT
Latin deterrent-, deterrens, present participle of deterrēre to deter
Rhymes with DETERRENT
DETERRENT Defined for Kids
deterrent
noun de·ter·rent \di-ˈtər-ənt, -ˈter-\
Definition of DETERRENT for Kids
: something that makes someone decide not to do something <The alarm is a deterrent against theft.>
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