Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Deterrent Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿšซ
Add to dictionary

deterrent

[dษชหˆtษœหrษ™nt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

crime prevention

Something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something. It can be a punishment, a threat, or a barrier.

Synonyms

hindrance, inhibition, obstacle, restraint.

Examples of usage

  • It acts as a deterrent for potential criminals.
  • The high security measures serve as a deterrent against theft.
  • The presence of security cameras is a strong deterrent.
  • The fear of getting caught is a powerful deterrent for many people.
  • The sign warning of guard dogs is a visual deterrent.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research in behavioral psychology shows that people often behave better when they know there are consequences for their actions.
  • Fear of negative outcomes is a powerful motivator according to Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, placing safety as a fundamental human need.
  • Deterrence Theory in criminology suggests that the likelihood of punishment can dissuade criminal behavior.

Military Science

  • Nuclear deterrence became a significant strategy during the Cold War, where possessing nuclear weapons discouraged conflict.
  • Military strategies often emphasize creating a deterrent effect, aiming to prevent enemy actions through strength or alliances.
  • The concept of deterrence is not just limited to warfare; it applies to discouraging economic or cyber threats as well.

Law and Order

  • Many legal systems use deterrent sentences, meaning harsher penalties are designed to discourage others from committing similar crimes.
  • The effectiveness of such deterrents often generates debate, especially regarding prisons and rehabilitation.
  • Community watch programs can serve as social deterrents, where the presence of vigilant neighbors reduces crime rates.

Environmental Science

  • Environmental regulations can act as deterrents against pollution, with hefty fines for violators to protect ecosystems.
  • Behavioral experiments show that incentivizing positive actions can be as effective as deterrent measures in environmental conservation campaigns.
  • Deterrent policies for wildlife conservation, such as anti-poaching laws, aim to protect endangered species.

Origin of 'deterrent'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin word 'deterrere,' meaning 'to frighten away.'
  • The original term was coined in English around the 20th century, primarily in legal and policy discussions.
  • It combines the prefix 'de-' (from) and 'terrere' (to frighten), emphasizing its role in prevention.

The word 'deterrent' originated in the mid-17th century from the Latin word 'deterrent-', meaning 'deterring'. It has been used in the context of crime prevention and security measures to describe something that deters or discourages unwanted behavior. Over the years, the concept of deterrents has evolved to include various forms of prevention and barriers to criminal activities.

See also: deter, deterrence.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,492, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.