CultureAugust 9, 2026

deterrent

dih-TUR-unt

Definition

Something that is intended to discourage or prevent a person or animal from performing an action.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'deterrere,' meaning to frighten away. It combines 'de-' (away) and 'terrere' (to frighten).

In the news

In this article, villagers use various methods like slings, dogs, and noise cannons as deterrents to keep monkeys from raiding their crops. The loss of previous deterrents, like firearms, is cited as a reason the monkey raids have worsened.

PHOTO ESSAY: Crop-raiding monkeys threaten Nepal's farming communities

Read the full article ↗

AOL.com

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