deterrent
something that discourages or prevents a particular action or behavior
Word origin: From Latin deterrere, to frighten away, from terrere, to frighten.
Deterrent in a sentence
Here are example sentences showing deterrent in a sentence.
Harsh sentencing was introduced as a deterrent against repeat offenses.
Stiffer fines proved to be only a modest deterrent to drivers who calculated the odds of being caught.
Using “deterrent” well
A deterrent is something that discourages an action by raising its cost or risk, pairing with disincentive and impediment. It works through discouragement rather than physical prevention.
More GRE words starting with D
to engage in something superficially or as a casual pastime
a raised platform for speakers or honored guests
to waste time or act without urgency
to make something slightly wet, or to make a feeling or reaction less strong
marked with spots or patches of color or light
to intimidate or discourage with fear or doubt
to move slowly or waste time idly
a scarcity or shortage of something
Questions about “deterrent”
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Definitions in isolation do not stick. Sit a free, full-length GRE mock and meet this vocabulary inside real text completion and sentence equivalence questions, with your score and a worked solution for every answer.