What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
deterrence
Example
The high security measures at the bank serve as a deterrence to potential robbers. [deterrence: noun]
Example
The threat of punishment is often used as a means of deterrence against criminal activity. [deterrence: noun]
prevention
Example
Wearing a seatbelt is a prevention measure against injuries in a car accident. [prevention: noun]
Example
The company implemented new safety protocols to prevent accidents in the workplace. [prevent: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Prevention is a more commonly used term than deterrence in everyday language. Prevention is a broad term that can be applied to many situations, while deterrence is more specific and often used in the context of crime or security.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deterrence and prevention?
Deterrence is often associated with formal or official contexts, such as government or military, while prevention is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
