1. a person or thing that discourages or prevents someone from doing something, typically through fear or doubt

Examples

• The high cost of tuition was a major deterrer for many students applying to the university.
• Strict penalties serve as a deterrer to criminal behavior.
• Fear of failure can be a powerful deterrer to taking risks.
• The security system acts as a deterrer to potential burglars.
• Bad weather was not a deterrer to the hikers' plans.
• Lack of experience is often a deterrer for people seeking new jobs.