1. in a manner that discourages or prevents someone from doing something through fear of consequences
Usage: formal; often used in legal, military, or policy contexts

Examples

• The harsh penalties were designed to act deterrently against future violations.
• Military forces were positioned deterrently along the border to discourage aggression.
• The warning label functions deterrently to keep children away from dangerous chemicals.
• High insurance premiums work deterrently to reduce reckless driving behavior.
• The government implemented the policy deterrently to prevent tax evasion.