Crossword Genius

Something that acts to discourage (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

deterrent

(Other definitions for deterrent that I've seen before include "Tending to put off" , "It discourages someone from doing something" , "Something that puts people off" , "It restrains" , "Something designed to be off-putting" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.
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