Deterrence: meaning, definitions and examples

Used in a formal or strategic context, often related to preventing actions or threats, such as in military or policy settings.

• The country's nuclear arsenal serves as a deterrence against potential invaders.
• Stricter penalties are implemented as a deterrence to reduce crime rates.

Used in everyday language to refer to actions or things that make someone feel less motivated to do something.

• The harsh criticism led to her discouragement and she stopped painting.
• High costs of education act as a discouragement for many students.

Often used in a formal or persuasive context to describe the act of convincing someone not to do something.

• The lawyer's dissuasion helped the client avoid a bad business decision.
• He employed gentle dissuasion to prevent his friend from making a hasty choice.

Used to describe a psychological or emotional state where someone feels restrained or unable to act freely, usually in a negative context.

• Her shyness was a major inhibition in social situations.
• Fear of failure can lead to inhibition and prevent personal growth.

Use this word when talking about measures or strategies aimed at discouraging someone from taking an undesirable action, often in the context of security or crime prevention.

• The presence of cameras in the store acts as a deterrence against theft.
• The country's nuclear arsenal serves as a deterrence to potential aggressors.

Best used when referring to actions taken to stop something from happening, usually before a harmful event occurs.

• Regular exercise and a healthy diet are crucial for the prevention of heart disease.
• The organization focuses on cancer prevention through public education.

Generally used in situations where there is a need to hold back or limit someone's actions, emotions, or activities. Can have a negative connotation when overly restrictive.

• The police used restraint to subdue the suspect without causing harm.
• She showed great restraint by not responding angrily to the insult.

This word fits in situations where someone is managing, directing, or regulating the behavior or activities of others, typically with a sense of having authority or power over them.

• The teacher struggled to maintain control of the noisy classroom.
• Government agencies work to control the spread of infectious diseases.