A thing that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from doing something.
The high fines for illegal parking served as a deterrent to prevent drivers from violating parking regulations.
The visible security cameras acted as a deterrent, dissuading potential intruders from attempting a break-in.
The strict penalties for fraud were implemented as a deterrent to curb financial crimes in the business sector.
The military presence in the region was considered a deterrent against potential acts of aggression.
