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Definitions

discourage

[dih-skur-ij, -skuhr-] / dɪˈskɜr ɪdʒ, -ˈskʌr- /
VERB
dishearten, dispirit
Synonyms
STRONGEST
alarm bother confuse dampen daunt demoralize depress dismay frighten intimidate irk scare trouble unnerve
STRONG
abash afflict awe bully chill cow dash deject deprecate disparage distress droop overawe prostrate repress try vex weigh
WEAK
beat down break one's heart cast down throw cold water on
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist assure calm comfort encourage gladden hearten help inspirit make happy please reassure soothe stimulate uplift
STRONG
allow approve commend compliment laud praise
WEAK
inspire spur on
VERB
deter, dissuade; restrain
Synonyms
STRONGEST
curb frighten hinder impede inhibit prevent scare
STRONG
check chill control deprecate discountenance disfavor disincline divert indispose interfere obstruct quiet repress shake warn withhold
WEAK
disadvise hold back hold off keep back put off talk out of throw cold water on turn aside turn off
Antonyms
STRONGEST
advance aid allow assist calm comfort encourage facilitate forward help
STRONG
approve let go permit support
WEAK
hearten inspire inspirit spur on

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.

Mayotte and I both strongly discourage you from going this route.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 11, 2026

Whatever happens, the assault may well discourage the Iranian people—many of whom have been very pro-American—from viewing the United States as a friend in the future.

From Slate • Apr. 6, 2026

The notion is expressed in the survey results, which found wide variation in how faculty members mention AI use in syllabuses or whether they encourage or discourage AI in classes.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Higher energy prices may also discourage already-weak private investment, and slow growth.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 2026

Some people contended that the reason Made-moiselle Reisz always chose apartments up under the roof was to discourage the approach of beggars, peddlars and callers.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Vocabulary lists containing discourage

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