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Showing results for deterrent. Search instead for deterrents.
Definitions

deterrent

[dih-tur-uhnt, -tuhr-, -ter-] / dɪˈtɜr ənt, -ˈtʌr-, -ˈtɛr- /


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Can the U.S. pivot from a military deterrent to a more integrated strategy?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 24, 2026

That can serve as a deterrent to starting wars in the region, he said, but “also makes them more difficult to wind down.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

She said the grills had worked as a deterrent, not only stopping drinkers from damaging her windows, but also preventing them from sitting on her window sills and putting their glasses on them.

From BBC • Mar. 4, 2026

He said people in Bulgaria, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Poland, Portugal, Spain and Switzerland now tend to support rather than oppose the idea of developing an alternative European nuclear deterrent.

From Barron's • Feb. 27, 2026

He locks the gate the rest of the time, but it’s hardly a deterrent, since all you have to do is hop the curb and drive around it.

From "We Are the Ants" by Shaun David Hutchinson