Deterrent
/dɪˈtɜːrənt/
nounadjectiveB2
Definition
A deterrent is anything that makes someone less likely to do something bad or wrong because they fear the possible punishment or bad result. It can be an object, rule, or idea used to prevent unwanted actions by creating fear or doubt.
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See It in Action
A thing that stops or prevents an action
- •The high price of cigarettes is a deterrent to smoking.
- •The security cameras act as a deterrent against theft.
- •Strict laws can be a deterrent to crime.
Describing something that prevents or discourages
- •They installed deterrent measures to protect the building.
- •The deterrent effect of punishment is well known.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "deterrent" like "stop," but with a reason that makes you think twice before doing something
- ✓Picture a big sign that says "No Entry" or a guard dog that makes you not want to go into a place
- ✓It's the feeling you get when you see a "Speed Camera Ahead" sign and slow down because you don’t want a ticket
- ✓Sounds like "de-TURR-ent" → imagine a door with a big lock that turns you away before you enter
- ✓Think of police or rules that help keep people safe by making bad actions less likely
- ✓NOT like "punishment" (which happens after bad action), a deterrent works before, to stop the action from happening
- ✓NOT like "warning" (which just tells you something bad might happen), a deterrent actually stops or reduces the chance of bad behavior
- ✓As an adjective, it describes something that has the power to stop or prevent (e.g., deterrent effect)
Try Other Words
- •Prevention: the act of stopping something before it happens (Use when focusing on the action of stopping, not the reason behind it)
- •Discouragement: making someone less confident or willing to do something (Use when the focus is on making people not want to do something)
- •Obstacle: something that blocks or makes progress difficult (Use when the deterrent is a physical or clear barrier)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "de-" (away, remove) + "terr" (from Latin "terrere" meaning to frighten) + "-ent" (adjective/noun ending)
- •Etymology: From Latin "deterrentem," meaning something that frightens away or prevents
- •Historical development: Used from the 1600s to describe something that stops bad actions by fear or caution
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in law, security, and psychology to describe things that prevent bad behavior by fear or doubt
Reflect & Connect
•Can something be a deterrent even if it does not physically stop a person, but only makes them think twice?
•How do different cultures use deterrents to keep people safe or follow rules?
Fill in the blanks
1.The security cameras were a strong deterrent because they made people ___ stealing.
2.High fines act as a deterrent ___ people breaking the law.
3.Unlike punishment, a deterrent works ___ the bad action happens.
4.A warning sign is not always a deterrent because it may not ___ people from dangerous actions.
5.The new law had a deterrent ___ that reduced speeding in the city.
6.Physical barriers like fences are deterrents because they ___ people from entering.
7.Sometimes, the fear of getting caught is the main ___ that makes a deterrent effective.