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.

While Taiwan has its own defence industry, it remains heavily reliant on the United States for weapons to deter a potential attack by China.

From Barron's • Jun. 1, 2026

“This suggests that the gains in market share may have stemmed from subsidized firms’ ability to lower their prices, undercut their competitors, and deter them from making investments.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

Dispersal orders are temporary and are generally used by police to deter crime and anti-social behaviour at certain locations.

From BBC • 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

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

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