The most common and most likely answer to this crossword clue is the 9 letter word DETERRENT
I've seen this crossword clue in The Times
D
E
T
E
R
R
E
N
T
More clues leading to the result DETERRENT
- Disincentive to make mistake in almost complete detente
- It puts off easing of tension, mostly involving fall from grace
- Nuclear weapons allegedly go astray during curtailed cessation of hostilities
- Check blunder in unfinished easing of international tension
- Reason to avoid washing powder: no good, extra rinse at first needed
- It’s French potatoes, not apples, conservationists block
- It puts off cleaner? Right for good!
Buddy explains!
The straight part
We know that "It puts off" is the straight/definition part of the clue. The straight part is often a synonym or definition, in this case it puts off = deterrent.The cryptic/wordplay part
In cryptic crossword there's often an wordplay/cryptic part as well.This part involves a more complex hint, such as an anagram, homophone, hidden word, etc.
Sadly, We don't have an explanation for this specific crossword clue yet.
What does DETERRENT mean?
DETERRENT noun- Something that deters.
- Serving to deter, preventing something from happening.