How Do You Spell DETERRENT?

Pronunciation: [dɪtˈɜːɹənt] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "deterrent" is [dɪˈtɜː.rənt]. It is important to remember that the "rr" in the middle of the word is doubled, which can often be a point of confusion. The phonetic transcription [dɪˈtɜː.rənt] means that the word has three syllables and is pronounced with the stress on the second syllable. A deterrent is something that is intended to prevent or discourage someone from doing something, such as a punishment or threat of harm.

DETERRENT Meaning and Definition

1. A deterrent is a noun that refers to something that dissuades or discourages someone from engaging in a certain action or behavior. It acts as a preventative measure by instilling fear, doubt, or hesitation in potential individuals or parties who may consider taking undesirable actions.

   The concept of deterrent often pertains to laws, policies, or security measures designed to prevent criminal activities or aggression. In this context, deterrents are intended to create a sense of fear or consequence, thereby deterring potential offenders. For example, the presence of security cameras in a public area can act as a deterrent against theft or vandalism, as individuals may be dissuaded by the fear of getting caught and facing legal consequences.

   Moreover, deterrent is also applicable in diplomatic or military contexts. In international relations, a country's possession of nuclear weapons or a robust defense system can serve as a deterrent against potential aggression, as the consequences of attacking that country would be severe.

   Overall, a deterrent is a method or factor that discourages someone from taking a particular course of action. It is aimed at preventing unwanted behaviors or actions by creating an atmosphere of fear, doubt, or hesitation. Deterrents can be found in various domains, such as law enforcement, security, diplomacy, and warfare, and their effectiveness relies on individuals perceiving the potential consequences they could face if they disregard or violate the deterrent.

2. • That which deters.

   • Having the power or tendency to deter.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DETERRENT *

• deterent 40.7894736%
• deterrant 20.0657894%
• detterent 7.8947368%
• deturrent 0.9868421%
• deterents 0.3289473%

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DETERRENT

• detearent
• detergant
• determend
• diferrent
• degerent
• deturrant
• deteregent
• deterdent
• derrent
• detterrent
• detegent
• deturent
• deteriant
• dterrent
• deteriment
• deterement
• deterjent
• deteerrent
• deterrente
• Deparrent
• deterrante
• deterranto
• deterrento

Etymology of DETERRENT

The word "deterrent" comes from the Latin word "deterrens", which is the present participle of the verb "deterre". "Deterre" is derived from the combination of the prefix "de" meaning "from" or "away" and the verb "terre", meaning "to frighten" or "to terrify". The Latin root "terre" is closely related to the Greek root "teros", which also means "to frighten". Hence, the concept of something being a "deterrent" implies that it is capable of preventing or discouraging action by instilling fear or apprehension.

Similar spelling words for DETERRENT

• determinate,
• determinism,
• determan,
• determent,
• deuteron,
• determinant,
• determine,
• determining,
• Deterring,
• determiner,
• Deterred,
• deterrence,
• detergent,
• determinist,
• determined.

Plural form of DETERRENT is DETERRENTS