deterrent

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Germany has asked France to extend its independent nuclear deterrent to European partners, something France agreed to this month.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Swift and effective prosecution can be a much stronger deterrent to misconduct than regulations that aim to prevent misconduct but rarely do.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 26, 2026

US Navy ships would "provide a deterrent effect," and could also "respond if the tankers get fired upon," he said.

From Barron's • Mar. 10, 2026

That can serve as a deterrent to starting wars in the region, he said, but “also makes them more difficult to wind down.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 9, 2026

Not only did all those police act as a deterrent, but they also provided the manpower to imprison criminals who might have otherwise gone uncaught.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt