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.

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

From Barron's • Mar. 25, 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

“To build themselves up and deter others from challenging their power, they take others down in public, letting them know exactly where they stand and how much they scorn them.”

From Salon • Mar. 19, 2026

The Chilean government said surveillance systems and obstacles would also be installed to deter crossings.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Many wild seeds evolved to be bitter, bad-tasting, or actually poisonous, in order to deter animals from eating them.

From "Guns, Germs, and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies" by Jared M. Diamond

deter

Example Sentences

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