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.

It is a supply issue, shaped by land‑use rules that choke housing construction, permitting regimes that delay projects, and regulatory barriers that deter new firms from forming and competing effectively.

From Barron's

The tumble in gold that saw the yellow metal drop over $1,000 an ounce in just two days hasn’t deterred Wall Street from recommending the metal.

From The Wall Street Journal

Critics argue that such prosecutions blur the line between reporting and participation and could deter journalists from covering volatile events.

From Salon

“Part of what a police officer does is deter crime by his presence. Why should it be any different with us?”

From The Wall Street Journal

Ministers hope the scheme will deter people from attempting to enter the UK illegally on small boats via the English Channel by threatening removal to France.

From BBC

deter

Example Sentences

Related Words