deterrent

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How much of a deterrent is the threat of nuclear martyrdom to a Muslim army?

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Definitions (10)

Toggle American Heritage definitions American Heritage Dictionary (3)

  1. adjective Tending to deter: deterrent weapons.
  2. noun Something that deters: a deterrent to theft.
  3. noun A retaliatory means of discouraging enemy attack: a nuclear deterrent.

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Examples (26)

  • The disappointment of expectation, characteristic of the slump, may lead to so much loss and waste that the average level of useful investment might be higher if a deterrent is applied. —  The General Theory of Employment, Interest, and Money: Project Gutenberg Australia
  • If the weapon wasn't a sufficient deterrent, the expression on his face was. —  Garwood, Julie - Rose 4 - One Red Rose
  • "If you can win a $40,000 prize, what kind of deterrent is a $200 misdemeanor penalty going to be?" —  WTOP / Business / Biz Stories
  • How much of a deterrent is the threat of nuclear martyrdom to a Muslim army? —  LewRockwell.com
  • Although that might seem hefty for a deterrent, the hitch is that the special pickups happen only after a complaint. —  Columbia Missourian: Latest Articles
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deterrent:   deterrents
Roget's II: The New Thesaurus, Third Edition by the Editors of the American Heritage® Dictionary. Copyright © 2003, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

Etymologies (1)

Toggle Century etymologies Century Dictionary (1)

  1. from Latin deterren(t-)s, present participle of deterrere, deter: see deter.
 

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/dəˈtərənt/
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