These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'automobile.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
deterrent effect meaning, deterrent effect definition | English Cobuild dictionary. deterrent. 1 n-count A deterrent is something that prevents people from doing something by making them afraid of what will happen to them if they do it. They seriously believe that capital punishment is a deterrent...
2 n-count A deterrent is a weapon or set of weapons designed to prevent enemies from attacking by making them afraid to do so. ...a nuclear deterrent. 3 adj If something has a deterrent effect, it has the effect of preventing people from doing certain things.