Deter
To discourage or prevent someone from taking a specific action by instilling doubt or fear of consequences.
verbDeter
To discourage or prevent someone from taking a specific action by instilling doubt or fear of consequences.
verbImagine This
Imagine a security guard outside a restricted door who flashes a bright sign that says 'Deter' and loudly proclaims, 'Trespassers will be prosecuted'—the threat of consequences makes the would‑be thief stop and step away.
Sounds Like
di-TUR (stress on the second syllable)
Looks Like
Looks like the noun 'deterrent' and shares the same root idea of fear-based prevention.
Remember This
Deter comes from a root related to fear; related nouns include deterrence (the act of deterring) and deterrent (something that deters).
Other Forms
Connect With
dissuade, discourage, prevent, inhibit, determent (see deterrence/deterrent)
Note
Always use deter with from + gerund/ noun phrase (e.g., deter someone from doing something). Do not use 'deter' with 'to' in standard usage. Distinguish from similar words like 'prevent' or 'discourage' in nuance.