Deterrent
/dɪˈtɛr.ənt/noun
A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.
Did you know?The roots of 'deterrent' reveal a fascinating link to ancient fears, as it stems from Latin 'deterrere', which means 'to frighten away'.
Etymological Timeline
Latin
Latin
deterrere
“to frighten away, deter, restrain.”
Late Latin
Late Latin
deterrentis
“frightening away, causing to hesitate.”
Old French
Old French
deterre
“to deter, discourage.”
15th Century
Middle English
deterren
“to deter, prevent.”
Modern English
English
deterrent
“something that discourages or inhibits.”