Synonyms for
Discourage
Definition
To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm; to dissuade or prevent someone from doing something.
Synonyms & similar words
Synonyms by register
Formal
Informal
Antonyms
Common collocations
- discourage investment
- discourage participation
- discourage crime
- discourage the use of
- discourage someone from doing something
- discourage growth
- discourage development
Word family
Usage note
Discourage often implies a loss of confidence or enthusiasm. It is important to distinguish it from 'discourse,' which means conversation or discussion.
Example sentences
- The teacher didn't want to discourage the students from trying their best.
- He tried to discourage her from taking the job.
- The bad weather discouraged us from going outside.
- Don't let setbacks discourage you from pursuing your dreams.
- The coach's pep talk encouraged the team, but the other team's early lead discouraged them.
Quotes
The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. -Nelson Mandela
Believe you can and you're halfway there. -Theodore Roosevelt
I can't change the direction of the wind, but I can adjust my sails to always reach my destination. -Jimmy Dean