Words / C1

di-TER-uh-nt/dɪˈterənt/

A deterrent discourages a harmful act: a deterrent to speeding, a nuclear deterrent. Deter is the verb (already in the dictionary). Disincentive is a close cousin in economics; punishment is what happens after. Prevention is wider. Do not call a reward a deterrent.

Meaning

Something that discourages people from doing a harmful or illegal act.

Examples

• “Higher fines were meant as a deterrent to speeding.”
• “Visible patrols were a deterrent; a fine nobody pays is not.”
• “High prices can be a deterrent to waste, which is the “put people off” sense, not a prison.”

Good to know

Something that puts people off an act. Verb: deter. After the act: punishment. Economics cousin: disincentive. Not a reward.

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