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 in place serve as a deterrence to potential thieves. [deterrence: noun]
Example
The threat of punishment is often used as a deterrence to criminal behavior. [deterrence: noun]
Example
The military's display of force serves as a deterrence against potential attacks. [deterrence: noun]
restraint
Example
He showed great restraint in not reacting to the insult. [restraint: noun]
Example
The government imposed restraints on spending to control inflation. [restraint: noun]
Example
She exercised restraint in her eating habits to maintain a healthy weight. [restraint: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Restraint is more commonly used than deterrence in everyday language. Restraint is a versatile word that can be applied in various personal and social contexts, while deterrence is more specific to conflict or security-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between deterrence and restraint?
Both deterrence and restraint can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, deterrence may have a more formal tone due to its association with policy-making and security-related contexts.
