What does deterrable mean?
Deterrable is a formal adjective meaning capable of being deterred: discouraged or prevented from pursuing an action by an anticipated consequence. It normally describes a person, conduct, or possible course of action, and it is often used predicatively, as in “The offence was not deterrable by a warning alone.” Unlike deterrent, which is a noun referring to a measure that discourages action, deterrable focuses on what can be influenced by deterrence. The suffix -able here indicates passive capability, although some similar adjectives can also have an active sense, making context important. In ordinary discussion, writers often choose more familiar constructions such as “able to be deterred,” “preventable,” or “discouraged.” The word is especially associated with criminology, public policy, and security, where questions arise over whether punishments, surveillance, or other measures will actually stop conduct. Deterrable is useful because it distinguishes the possibility of influence from its certainty: an act may be deterrable without being easy or certain to deter. It is uncommon, but precise in formal and analytical writing.
adjectiveCapable of being deterred; able to be discouraged or prevented from pursuing an action.
- Capable of being deterred, discouraged, or prevented from pursuing an action.
"Even determined offenders may be deterrable by the prospect of certain detection."
"Even determined offenders may be deterrable by the prospect of certain detection."
"The committee argued that the proposed offence was so minor as to be hardly deterrable."
Deterrable asks who can be discouraged, not what discourages them: its rare -able ending turns deterrence into a passive possibility.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does deterrable come from?
Deterrable was formed in English from deter and the suffix -able, expressing the possibility of being deterred. Deter entered English in the early 17th century from Latin deterrere, meaning “drive away” or “frighten off,” ultimately from de- plus terrere, “to terrify.” Related English forms include deterrence, deterrent, and determent, all reflecting the same Latin root.
How deterrable is actually used
This is a relatively uncommon, formal adjective, especially associated with criminology, public policy, and security. It is often used predicatively. In general writing, the more familiar phrasing “able to be deterred” may be clearer.