Deter

usgb/dɪˈtɜːr/
verb

To discourage someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences.

High prices are deterring many people from taking vacations.
Visual representation of "deter" - To discourage someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences.

Often appears as...

  • deter from
  • deter by
Definition 1 of 3
Visual representation of "deter"
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Emphasis on Consequences

Deter focuses on the negative outcomes to discourage an action.

Illustration for Emphasis on Consequences
The possibility of failing the course should deter you from skipping classes.
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Psychological Influence

Using 'deter' implies attempting to change someone's mind through doubts or fears.

Illustration for Psychological Influence
She was deterred from smoking by the graphic health warnings.
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Action-Related

Deter is often used when talking about actions we want to stop someone from taking.

Illustration for Action-Related
The threat of rain didn't deter them from holding the picnic outdoors.
Visual representation of the word "Deter"

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