Definitions

deter

[dih-tur] / dɪˈtɜr /

VERB

check, inhibit from action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert block dampen daunt discourage dissuade forestall frighten hinder impede intimidate obstruct preclude prevent prohibit restrain scare stop

STRONG

caution chill cool damp debar divert forfend obviate warn

WEAK

act like a wet blanket disadvise put a damper on put off rule out shut out stave off talk out of throw cold water on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward hearten help incite inspirit permit promote push support

STRONG

heat warm

WEAK

instigate persuade put on to stimulate turn on urge

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“If you’re going to let those things deter you when you think you’re doing what’s right for your organization and your view of the world,” Kroenke says, “that would never get you very far.”

From The Wall Street Journal • May 29, 2026

Jon Pearce, Labour MP for High Peak, confirmed on Wednesday that dye had been ordered again to "deter people from gathering and trespassing at the site".

From BBC • May 28, 2026

At a defense conference in Ottawa, Carney said Saab’s GlobalEye aircraft would help detect and deter threats across the Arctic.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 27, 2026

It does not deter those who are already in the public sphere.

From Slate • May 26, 2026

Thus did Mother Ermentrude in her wisdom deter me from my desperate course and guide me to a new path.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Vocabulary lists containing deter

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