deter Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. verb try to prevent; show opposition to
    discourage.
    • We should discourage this practice among our youth
  2. verb turn away from by persuasion
    dissuade.
    • Negative campaigning will only dissuade people

WordNet

De*ter" transitive verb
Etymology
L. deterrere; de + terrere to frighten, terrify. See Terror.
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Deterred ; present participle & verbal noun Deterring
Definitions
  1. To prevent by fear; hence, to hinder or prevent from action by fear of consequences, or difficulty, risk, etc. Addison.
    Potent enemies tempt and deter us from our duty. Tillotson.
    My own face deters me from my glass. Prior.

Webster 1913