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.

‘I changed my will to deter vultures’: I’m in my 60s and disabled.

From MarketWatch

TOKYO—Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s blowout election victory gives her an unprecedented shot at shaking Japan out of its long economic funk and taking on a bigger security role deterring Chinese ambitions in Asia.

From The Wall Street Journal

“It has deterred further investment. It has stalled projects,” said Art Ortega, chairman and CEO of Freedom Bank, a community bank specializing in small-business loans.

From The Wall Street Journal

Officers potentially wasting thousands of hours in pursuit of car backfires and construction noise mislabeled as gunfire has not deterred the New York Police Department from continuing to use it.

From Salon

She said the noise devices and barriers at the Cypress Park store were designed to deter illegal overnight parking, encampments and other related problems that were creating a safety hazard.

From Los Angeles Times

deter

Example Sentences

Related Words