Deterred: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the Latin word 'deterrere,' which means to frighten away.
• First recorded use in English was in the 15th century, originally spelled 'deterre.'
• It used to mean 'to keep someone from fear,' which shows its connection to feelings.

Psychology

• Fear is a powerful deterrent in decision-making, often influencing how we act or avoid actions.
• People may be deterred from risky behaviors when they perceive high consequences for their actions.
• The concept of deterrence is widely studied in behavioral psychology, particularly in relation to crime.

Law and Public Policy

• In law, deterrent strategies might involve penalties aimed at discouraging criminal behavior.
• The death penalty has been debated as a deterrent to serious crimes like murder.
• Policies that increase the likelihood of being caught can effectively deter potential offenders.

Literature

• In literature, characters are often deterred from pursuing their desires by societal norms or personal fears.
• Classic works explore the theme of deterrence where protagonists face different obstacles to their goals.
• Symbolism of deterrence can be seen in many story arcs, where the hero is held back by inner turmoil.

Pop Culture

• Movies often portray characters deterred by fears, leading to significant plot twists.
• In superhero films, villains often use deterrence to manipulate heroes based on their fears.
• Many songs capture the feeling of being deterred from love or happiness due to past experiences.

With rank #15,829, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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