The phrase "powerful deterrent" refers to something that strongly discourages or prevents someone from doing something.
Sentences with «powerful deterrent»
State legislators should write the guidelines to define hardship narrowly to make this amendment as powerful a deterrent as possible. (newsday.com)
Keeping staffers informed about the strategic direction is a powerful deterrent to this type of roadblock. (entrepreneur.com)
Indeed, the Arihant's ability to deliver K - 15 short - range and K - 4 intermediate - range nuclear missiles was envisioned as a powerful deterrent against India's uneasy nuclear state neighbor, Pakistan. (businessinsider.com)