Collocations for "deterrent"
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word "deterrent" in context.
WordReference English Collocations © 2026
deterrent
ⓘMost examples are given in US English. We have labeled exceptions as UK.n
- a [crime, burglary, fraud] deterrent
- a deterrent to [crime]
- a [nuclear, missile, weapon] deterrent
- [serves, acts] as the primary deterrent
- acts as a deterrent to [smoking, gambling, drinking]
- are a [useful, significant, major] deterrent to
- use [it] as a deterrent to
- [security, surveillance, CCTV] cameras are a useful deterrent
- does this [punishment, law] (really) act as a deterrent?
- is [hardly, barely] a deterrent to [robbers, criminals, thieves]
- (build) a [barrier, fence, wall] as a deterrent
- the deterrent [worked, fulfilled its purpose, prevented entry]
- is deterrent to crime
- has a deterrent effect on
- a deterrent weapon (against)
- [nuclear, attack, theft] -deterrent systems
'deterrent' also found in these entries (note: many are not synonyms or translations):