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...
Lesson Summary. General deterrence is a theory in criminal justice, which seeks to curb illegal conduct. To deter means to discourage. Under the theory, the public will avoid committing crimes from fear of the strict consequences.