deterrent

noun/dɪˈtɛrənt/

Frequency rank: #9,243 most common English word

Meaning

something that discourages or prevents a particular action or behavior.

Illustration for the English word “deterrent”

Example sentence

The high cost of parking tickets serves as deterrent to drivers who might otherwise park illegally.

Synonyms & related words

Practice this word in the quiz

More words in ranks 9,201–9,300