- de|ter|rent
- de|ter|rent «dih TUR uhnt, -TEHR-», adjective, noun.–adj.discouraging or hindering; deterring; restraining: »
A dog in the house is a deterrent influence on burglars. Atomic strength has been shifted back into a primarily deterrent role (Atlantic).
–n.1. something that deters: »Fear of sharks is a deterrent to swimming in those waters. The installed nuclear missile arsenal is not intended for use against an enemy, but to act as a deterrent against his use of nuclear missiles (H. W. Katz).
2. a military weapon powerful enough to deter an enemy from aggression: »a nuclear deterrent. America's allies are dependent on the American deterrent for their security—but have had almost no control over strategic nuclear weapons (Maclean's).
–de|ter´rent|ly, adverb.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.