Deter
/dɪˈtɜːr/
Definitions
To discourage or prevent someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt, fear, or anxiety about the consequences.
/dɪˈtɜːr/
To discourage or prevent (someone) from doing something.
The high cost of the fine is intended to deter speeding.
💡 Simply: Imagine you want to eat all the cookies, but your mom says, "If you eat all the cookies, you won't be able to eat dinner!" That stops you. Deter means to stop someone from doing something by making them think about the bad things that could happen.
👶 For kids: To stop someone from doing something bad by making them scared.
More Examples
The police presence was meant to deter any public disorder.
The difficult exam deterred many students from taking the class.
How It's Used
"The threat of a long prison sentence is meant to deter potential criminals."
"Security cameras and alarms deter burglars."
"Her fear of failure deterred her from applying for the promotion."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
deterrence
The action of discouraging an action or event through instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.
"Nuclear deterrence prevented the Cold War from escalating into a full-scale conflict."
From Latin *dēterrēre* 'to frighten from, discourage', from *dē-* 'away, from' + *terrēre* 'to frighten'.
The word 'deter' has been used since the 16th century, initially meaning 'to turn aside' and later evolving to its current meaning of discouraging or preventing.
Memory tip
Think of the word 'terror'. If something gives you terror, it will deter you.
Word Origin
"to frighten from, discourage"