Noun: deterrence di'tur-un(t)s [N. Amer], di'te-run(t)s [Brit]
- The act or process of discouraging actions or preventing occurrences by instilling fear or doubt or anxiety
"Nuclear deterrence was a key strategy during the Cold War"
- A negative motivational influence
"High taxes can be a deterrence for small businesses";
- disincentive
- A communication that makes you afraid to try something
"The warning sign served as a deterrence to potential trespassers";
- determent, intimidation
Derived forms: deterrences
Type of: discouragement, hinderance [rare], hindrance, interference, rational motive
Antonym: incentive
Encyclopedia: Deterrence