Deter

Quick meaning: Deter is a verb meaning (transitive) To prevent something from happening.

Meaning

(transitive) To prevent something from happening.

More Meanings

1. (transitive) To persuade someone not to do something; to discourage.
2. (transitive) To distract someone from something.

Example Sentences

Their boss deterred them from both taking holidays at the same time, claiming he couldn't manage it all on his own.

we have in following enquiry, attempted to throw some light upon subjects, from which uncertainty has hitherto deterred the wise

Such a male-dominated environment is also likely to contribute to the lingering presence of an outdated belief that expressing feelings and demonstrating emotion is a sign of weakness, deterring some men from discussing their problems.

Among the remaining contention points between the two armies is an eastern region called the Depsang Plains. Military analysts said that the Chinese Army was not allowing Indian troops to patrol in that area, even though they have done so for decades. While India’s military is already stretched thin, said Saurav Jha, editor in chief of the Delhi Defense Review, it still needs to keep up a permanent patrol to deter China.

Word Forms

• deters
• deterring
• deterred

Synonyms for deter

Depending on context, synonyms include dissuade, discourage.

Antonyms for deter

Common opposites include persuade.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include dissuade, discourage, deterrence, deterrent, avoiding, preclude.

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