deterrence
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deterrence
The action or effect of preventing someone from doing something specific through fear of negative consequences. This is often used in military, political, or legal contexts.
Die hohen Geldstrafen sollen zur Abschreckung potenzieller Täter dienen.
The high fines are intended to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.
The word is derived from the verb 'abschrecken' (to deter). It consists of 'ab-' (away), 'schrecken' (to frighten), and the ending '-ung', which turns a verb into a noun. The literal meaning is therefore something like 'frightening away'.
Die Installation von Kameras soll der Abschreckung von Dieben dienen.
The installation of cameras is intended to serve as a deterrent to thieves.
'Abschreckung' (deterrence) is very frequently used with the preposition 'zur' (zu der) to express a purpose. The typical construction is 'etwas dient zur Abschreckung' (something serves as a deterrent).
Die strengen Kontrollen an der Grenze dienen zur Abschreckung von Schmugglern.
The strict checks at the border serve as a deterrent to smugglers.
This word is used mainly in formal contexts such as politics, law, and the military. Typical combinations are 'nukleare Abschreckung' (nuclear deterrence) or 'eine wirksame Abschreckung' (an effective deterrent).
Die Androhung von Sanktionen ist Teil der politischen Abschreckung.
The threat of sanctions is part of political deterrence.
punishment / penalty
'die Strafe' and 'die Abschreckung' both belong to the area of rules, wrongdoing, and negative consequences. 'Die Strafe' is the consequence someone receives after doing something wrong. 'Die Abschreckung' is the purpose or effect that is supposed to work beforehand: people should avoid doing something because they are afraid of the consequences. The words can be confused because a punishment can also serve as a deterrent. But the punishment happens after the wrongdoing; deterrence is meant to prevent wrongdoing.
Hohe Geldbußen dienen im Verkehr oft der Abschreckung.
High fines often serve as a deterrent in traffic enforcement.
Nach dem Diebstahl bekam der Mann eine hohe Strafe.
After the theft, the man received a heavy penalty.