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Glite Dictionary
deterrent example

deterrent example

7.3
People use a punishment to show others not to do the same
  • noun
  • /dɪˈtɛrənt ɪɡˈzæmpəl/
translation icon : ejemplo disuasorio
  • The harsh sentence was intended as a deterrent example to others who might consider the same crime.

Examples

  • The company hopes the firing acts as a deterrent example against misconduct in the workplace.

  • Many believe that a harsh sentence serves as a deterrent example for future offenders.

  • Authorities used the high-profile case as a deterrent example to discourage similar offenses.

  • The judge cited a deterrent example to emphasize the severity of the crime.

  • Authorities used the high-profile case as a deterrent example to discourage similar offenses.

  • The harsh sentence was intended as a deterrent example to others who might consider the same crime.

  • Many believe that a harsh sentence serves as a deterrent example for future offenders.

Synonyms

example
vsdeterrent example
165 4.7

A person punished publicly to warn others

is any punishment imposed to warn rather than only public display
lesson
vsdeterrent example
  • Informal
130 6.7

A punishment given to warn other people

focuses on a single imposed punishment used mainly as a warning
object lesson
vsdeterrent example
6 6.1

A clear example, often a punishment, that warns other people

is a formally imposed punishment meant specifically to warn others

Antonyms

incentive
439 3.9

A thing that makes a person want to do something, often a reward

to reward
328 1.3

To give something to someone to thank them for doing something good

How Deterrent

deterrent example
7.3
warning
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

deterrent example singular
deterrent examples plural

Morphology

deterrent + example

The meaning is directly compositional: 'deterrent' (something that discourages) modifies 'example' (an instance used to illustrate or warn), so a 'deterrent example' is an instance intended to discourage others. This follows a standard modifier + noun pattern and is cross-linguistically paralleled, so a B1 learner who knows both words can derive the meaning.

Etymology

Deterrent example comes from the idea of making one clear example public as a deterrent: authorities show a punishment openly so others see the cost and are afraid to do the same. That's why it means 'an instance used to warn or discourage others'.