deter

[dih-tur] / dɪˈtɜr /

VERB

check, inhibit from action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

avert block dampen daunt discourage dissuade forestall frighten hinder impede intimidate obstruct preclude prevent prohibit restrain scare stop

STRONG

caution chill cool damp debar divert forfend obviate warn

WEAK

act like a wet blanket disadvise put a damper on put off rule out shut out stave off talk out of throw cold water on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward hearten help incite inspirit permit promote push support

STRONG

heat warm

WEAK

instigate persuade put on to stimulate turn on urge

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

It worked to “disrupt, deter and degrade foreign adversaries’ ability to interfere with and influence how U.S. citizens vote and how those votes are counted.”

From Salon • May 21, 2026

Business owners say they fear new on-street parking charges on a popular coastal town's promenade could deter customers and visitors.

From BBC • May 18, 2026

The moves come as elevated prices deter purchases in China, with fabricators seeing orders for copper rod weakening this month, ANZ Research analysts say in a note.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 15, 2026

They say Article 9, written in the aftermath of defeat, is too restrictive, and that Japan must be able to deter aggression, support allies, and respond proactively to crises in the region.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

It certainly wasn’t the welcome I’d been hoping for or expecting, but I tried not to let the lack of warm smiles and encouraging words from my teammates deter me from my mission.

From "Proud" by Ibtihaj Muhammad

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