deter

/dɪˈtʌr/

/dɪˈtʌ/

Other forms: deterred; deterring; deters

Deter means to discourage, or literally “to frighten away.” Halloween decorations that are too scary might deter trick-or-treaters, and the risk of being expelled deters kids from cheating in school.

Deter comes from the Latin de meaning "away" and terrere meaning "frighten." Something that deters isn’t always scary, though: citronella plants deter mosquitoes, and fines deter people from littering. Teddy Roosevelt's foreign policy dictum "speak softly and carry a big stick" was meant to deter other countries from attacking the United States.

Definitions of deter

1. verb

   turn away from by persuasion
   synonyms: dissuade

   types:

   talk out of

   persuade someone not to do something

   type of:

   advise, counsel, rede

   give advice to
2. verb

   try to prevent; show opposition to
   synonyms: discourage

   type of:

   disapprove, reject

   deem wrong or inappropriate