deterrent

Meaning

A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.

Something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something.

Example Sentences

A strict law serves as a deterrent to crime.

The presence of a deterrent made the pests stay away from the crops.

The new law is expected to be a deterrent against crime.

Synonyms

hindrance, obstacle, restraint, discouragement, preventive

Entry 1

hindrance, obstacle, restraint

Entry 2

obstacle, hindrance

Entry 3

hindrance, obstacle, discouragement, preventive

Antonyms

encouragement, incentive, motivation

Entry 1

encouragement, incentive, motivation

Entry 2

encouragement, incentive

Entry 3

encouragement, incentive

Collocations

act as a deterrent, effective deterrent, serve as a deterrent