the.com/deterrent
A threat so convincing nobody dares find out if it's a bluff.
means Something that discourages an action by making the consequences scary enough to think twice.
from From Latin deterrere, to frighten away — de (from) plus terrere (to terrify), the same root that gives us terror.
Cold War starNuclear arsenals were the ultimate deterrent: too awful to use.
Built on fearShares a root with terror and terrify.
Works unseenA perfect deterrent prevents the thing entirely.