Deter Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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deter
[dɪˈtəː ]
Definitions
preventive measure
To discourage or restrain from acting or proceeding.
Synonyms
discourage, hinder, prevent, restrain.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deter |
Used in situations where actions are taken to discourage someone from taking a certain action, often through fear or doubt.
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| discourage |
Implied when trying to lower someone's enthusiasm or confidence about doing something, often through words or advice.
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| prevent |
Applied when an action is taken to stop something from happening entirely.
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| restrain |
Used in situations where there is a need to hold back, limit, or control someone or something, often through physical means or authority.
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| hinder |
Used to indicate an action or condition that makes progress difficult or slows it down.
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Examples of usage
- He hoped that the security camera would deter thieves from breaking into his house.
- The warning signs are meant to deter people from swimming in this area.
legal term
A circumstance that prevents someone from doing something.
Synonyms
hindrance, impediment, obstacle.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| deter |
Use this word when you want to indicate that something is being discouraged or prevented from taking action, often through fear or doubt.
|
| obstacle |
This word is best used when referring to a specific physical or metaphorical barrier that blocks one's path or progress. It often implies something that must be actively overcome.
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| hindrance |
This term is often used to refer to something that delays or obstructs progress, and can apply to both people and things. It usually implies an ongoing issue rather than a singular event.
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| impediment |
Commonly used in formal contexts, this word refers to something that slows down or prevents progress, especially in a more serious or structural sense.
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Examples of usage
- The rain was a deter to the outdoor wedding ceremony.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research in psychology shows that fear can effectively deter people from engaging in risky behaviors.
- The process of deterrence theory suggests that individuals will avoid actions when they believe the consequences outweigh the benefits.
- Effective deterrence can depend on the perception of an unavoidable punishment rather than the punishment itself.
Law Enforcement
- In criminal justice, deterrence strategies are used to prevent crime by increasing the perceived cost of it.
- Policies like mandatory minimum sentencing are designed to deter potential offenders from committing serious crimes.
- Community programs often aim to deter youth from gang involvement through positive engagement and activities.
Environmental Science
- Conservation programs use deterrence methods to protect endangered species from poaching by increasing penalties.
- Deterrents can also play a role in protecting wildlife, such as using sound or light to discourage animals from entering dangerous areas.
- Certain pesticides are designed to deter pests while being less harmful to the environment.
Marketing
- In marketing, companies often deter customers from choosing competitors by highlighting clear advantages and unique features.
- Promotional pricing can deter customers from waiting to purchase products at higher price points later.
- Scarcity tactics, like limited-time offers, aim to deter indecision and encourage quick purchases.
Origin of 'deter'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'deter' comes from the Latin 'deterrere', which means 'to frighten away'.
- It was first used in English in the early 19th century, becoming common in law and psychology contexts.
- The prefix 'de-' means 'away from', combined with 'terrere', which means 'to frighten'.
The word 'deter' originated from the Latin word 'deterrere', which means 'to frighten from' or 'to discourage'. It has been used in English since the late 16th century. The concept of deterrence has been widely studied in various fields, including psychology, criminology, and international relations, to understand how to discourage certain behaviors or actions.
See also: deterrence, deterrent.