Literary notes about deterrent (AI summary)
In literature, the term “deterrent” is employed to describe a force or consequence that discourages behavior by invoking fear, inconvenience, or punitive outcomes. It appears across diverse contexts, ranging from descriptions of legal and disciplinary measures that aim to prevent undesirable actions [1, 2] to portrayals of military might that seeks to dissuade potential aggressors [3, 4, 5]. At times it is used metaphorically, highlighting how societal structures or personal circumstances—such as an oppressive atmosphere or even a lack of incentive—can function as a deterrent to various pursuits [6, 7]. Whether addressing crime, moral failings, or political issues, literature utilizes “deterrent” to underscore the concept of prevention through the anticipation of negative consequences [8, 9].
- Within reasonable limits, the fear of almost certain detection is a far stronger deterrent than the distant prospect of severe punishment.
— from A History of Police in England by W. L. Melville (William Lauriston Melville) Lee - Just how far exemplary punishment should be used in society as a deterrent to crime is a disputed question among penologists.
— from Sociology and Modern Social Problems by Charles A. (Charles Abram) Ellwood - While an escort of destroyers is no sure guarantee against submarine attack, their presence certainly seems to act as a powerful deterrent.
— from The Story of the Submarine by Farnham Bishop - The American nuclear deterrent will remain strong after SALT II.
— from State of the Union Addresses by Jimmy Carter - We live in a world in which strength on the part of peace-loving nations is still the greatest deterrent to aggression.
— from State of the Union Addresses by Harry S. Truman - She is, however, a complete deterrent to work.
— from A Schoolmaster's Diary Being Extracts from the Journal of Patrick Traherne, M.A., Sometime Assistant Master at Radchester and Marlton. by Patrick Traherne - The son had this in common with the Honourable Hilary—he hated heroics; and the fact that the thing smacked of heroics was Austen's only deterrent.
— from Project Gutenberg Complete Works of Winston Churchill by Winston Churchill - The enforcement of such a livery would act as a wholesome deterrent to those intending to enter the Church.
— from Crome Yellow by Aldous Huxley - The deterrent effect of the concentration camps upon the public was carefully planned.
— from Nazi Conspiracy and Aggression (Vol. I) by United States. Office of Chief of Counsel for the Prosecution of Axis Criminality
