deter — English Dictionary

Verb

1. To prevent something from happening.

   Usage

   • Transitive

2. To persuade someone not to do something; to discourage.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Synonyms

   dissuade

   Examples

   Their boss deterred them from both taking holidays at the same time, claiming he couldn't manage it all on his own.

   More examples (2)

   Such a male-dominated environment is also likely to contribute to the lingering presence of an outdated belief that expressing feelings and demonstrating emotion is a sign of weakness, deterring some men from discussing their problems.

   Among the remaining contention points between the two armies is an eastern region called the Depsang Plains. Military analysts said that the Chinese Army was not allowing Indian troops to patrol in that area, even though they have done so for decades. While India’s military is already stretched thin, said Saurav Jha, editor in chief of the Delhi Defense Review, it still needs to keep up a permanent patrol to deter China.

3. To distract someone from something.

   Usage

   • Transitive

   Examples

   we have in following enquiry, attempted to throw some light upon subjects, from which uncertainty has hitherto deterred the wise

Verb

1. try to prevent; show opposition to

   Synonyms

   discourage

   Broader terms

   disapprovereject

   Examples

   We should discourage this practice among our youth

2. turn away from by persuasion

   Synonyms

   dissuade

   Broader terms

   redeadvisecounsel

   Examples

   Negative campaigning will only dissuade people