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.

"I am in no doubt custody will reflect the gravity and scale of your offending and will deter others from such conduct in future."

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

"What I'm doing is to prepare Germany to be able to defend itself, by building up those defence capabilities. This is deterrence for us. We will deter the threat from the Russian side."

From BBC • Mar. 27, 2026

Plus, without mechanisms to make any war catastrophic for Beijing, one expert warns, failure to deter it in the Taiwan Strait could plunge the world into chaos.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

Executives warn that sustained volatility could deter future LNG infrastructure investment.

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 2026

History shows that penalties do not deter men when their conscience is aroused, nor will they deter my people or the colleagues with whom I have worked before.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

deter

Example Sentences

Related Words