Synonyms for

Deter

Verb / dɪˈtɜ: / Another word for deter — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

To discourage or prevent someone from doing something.

Synonyms & similar words

dissuade discourage persuade discourage prevent hinder restrain dissuade forbid prohibit avert block curb dishearten distract divert forestall halt inhibit obstruct preclude thwart

Synonyms by register

Formal

dissuade discourage prevent inhibit

Informal

put off scare off warn off

Literary

daunt dishearten

Antonyms

encourage support urge persuade instigate inspire promote

Common collocations

  • deter crime
  • deter violence
  • deter attacks
  • deter illegal activity
  • deter someone from doing something
  • deter potential offenders
  • deter further action

Word family

noun deterrence
verb deter
adjective deterrent

Usage note

Deter is often followed by 'from' when specifying what action is being prevented. It implies preventing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.

Example sentences

  1. The barking dog deterred the burglar from entering the house.
  2. The bad weather will deter us from going to the beach today.
  3. The high price of the product may deter some customers from buying it.
  4. The police presence in the area is meant to deter crime.
  5. The fear of failure should not deter you from trying.

Quotes

  • The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela
  • Success is not final, failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. - Winston Churchill
  • Believe you can and you're halfway there. - Theodore Roosevelt

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the and that for you with was this are have not from

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