Discourage
/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo cause someone to lose enthusiasm or confidence; to try to prevent something from happening.
/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ/
To cause someone to lose confidence or enthusiasm.
The bad weather discouraged us from going to the beach.
💡 Simply: Imagine your friend is super excited to try out for the school play, but then people start making fun of them. If you tell them to give up, you're discouraging them! It's like taking away their excitement.
👶 For kids: To tell someone not to do something because it's a bad idea or they might fail.
More Examples
She discouraged her son from dropping out of school.
The company’s poor performance discouraged investment.
How It's Used
"The teacher discouraged the students from cheating."
"Negative feedback can discourage someone from pursuing their goals."
To advise or try to persuade someone against doing something; to make something less likely.
/dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ/
To try to prevent or advise against something.
The authorities discouraged travel to the affected area.
💡 Simply: Picture this: Your friend is about to buy a super expensive toy, but you know it's not worth the money. Discouraging is like gently saying, 'Hey, maybe think twice about that!'.
👶 For kids: To tell someone not to do something because you think it's not a good idea.
More Examples
He discouraged his friend from starting a business in a crowded market.
Policies discourage smoking in public places.
How It's Used
"The manager discouraged employees from taking unauthorized breaks."
"The government discouraged public gatherings due to the pandemic."
Idioms & expressions
Don't let it discourage you.
An encouraging phrase, used to comfort or motivate someone.
"You failed the test, but don't let it discourage you; you can always study harder and try again."
From Middle French *descouragier* (to deprive of courage), from *des-* (expressing reversal or negation) + *corage* (courage).
Used since the 15th century, originally meaning to deprive of courage or confidence.
Memory tip
Think of a 'dis' like removing something. Discourage is like removing courage.
Word Origin
"To deprive of courage, to deter"