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.
Next Word
Deviate
verb
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