These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'automobile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
deterrent effect meaning, deterrent effect definition | English Cobuild dictionary. deterrent. 1 n-count A deterrent is something that prevents people from doing something by making them afraid of what will happen to them if they do it. They seriously believe that capital punishment is a deterrent...
A deterrent makes you not want to do something. Let's say there's a giant pile of cookies being guarded by an angry dog â the dog is a deterrent. People talk about deterrents most often when discussing crime. The death penalty is supposed to be a deterrent â the idea is that people will be so scared of the death penalty that they won't commit certain crimes. Jail is another deterrent. Teachers also use deterrents â the possibility of getting detention is a deterrent that should encourage students to behave. A deterrent is the opposite of a reward. A reward encourages you to do the right thing, while a deterrent discourages you from doing the wrong thing.