deterrent

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   tending to deter

   the deterrent effects of high prices

2. 2
   noun

   Something that deters.

   An extension of the system to serve new housing estates on the outskirts of the city, at an estimated cost of about £4,000,000 a mile, is being considered, but the narrow gauge, small clearances, and short platforms are deterrents.

3. 3
   noun

   something immaterial that interferes with or delays action or progress

4. 4
   adj

   Serving to deter, preventing something from happening.

Etymology

Learned borrowing from Latin dēterrēns, dēterrentem.