Deterrent
- Pronunciation
- /de-TÜR-ent/
- Category
- Behavior
- Singular
- Deterrent
- Plural
- Deterrents
Definition
A substance or agent that discourages or prevents an organism from approaching or engaging in a particular behavior.
Etymology
From Latin 'deterrere', meaning 'to frighten away'.
Example
The presence of a pheromone-based repellent acts as a deterrent to keep mosquitoes away from humans.
Synonyms
- Repellent
- Inhibitor