1. something that discourages or prevents someone from doing something

1. serving to discourage or prevent something from happening

Examples

• The security cameras serve as a deterrent to shoplifters.
• Higher taxes on cigarettes act as a deterrent to smoking.
• The threat of punishment is often an effective deterrent to crime.
• Nuclear weapons are considered a deterrent to war.
• The company installed deterrent measures to prevent data breaches.
• Visible police patrols have a deterrent effect on street crime.
• The harsh penalties serve as a deterrent to drunk driving.