— deterrently , adv.
/di terr"euhnt, -tur"-, -ter"-/ , adj.
1. serving or tending to deter.
n.
2. something that deters: a deterrent to crime.
3. military strength or an ability to defend a country or retaliate strongly enough to deter an enemy from attacking.
[ 1820-30; deterrent- (s. of deterrens ), prp. of deterrere. See DETER, -ENT ]
Syn. 2. restraint, curb, check, hindrance.