deterrence

Plural: deterrences

Noun

• a negative motivational influence
• a communication that makes you afraid to try something
• the act or process of discouraging actions or preventing occurrences by instilling fear or doubt or anxiety
• The act of deterring, or the state of being deterred.
• Action taken by states or alliances of nations against equally powerful alliances to prevent hostile action.
• The art of producing in one's enemy the fear of attacking.
• The art of producing in one's enemy the fear of attacking.
• nuclear deterrence: discouraging nuclear attack through the threat of nuclear retaliation.
• The action of discouraging an action or event by instilling doubt or fear of the penalty or punishment.

Synonyms

determent, disincentive, intimidation, dissuasion

Antonyms

incentive