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- DictionaryDe·ter/dəˈtər/
verb
- 1. discourage (someone) from doing something by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences: "only a health problem would deter him from seeking re-election"
The meaning of DETER is to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting. How to use deter in a sentence. The Fearful History of Deter
to prevent someone from doing something or to make someone less enthusiastic about doing something: deter sb from doing sth High prices deter many young people from entering the property market. People said he was foolish to start his own business, but he didn't let that deter him.
to discourage or restrain from acting or proceeding: The large dog deterred trespassers. to prevent; check; arrest: timber treated with creosote to deter rot. to repel: Strongly scented marigolds planted among the melons are supposed to deter beetles. deter. / dɪˈtɜː / verb.
to prevent someone from doing something or to make someone less enthusiastic about doing something by making it difficult for that person to do it or by threatening bad results if they do it: These measures are designed to deter an enemy attack. deter someone from doing something High prices are deterring many young people from buying houses.
1. To prevent or discourage from acting, as by means of fear or doubt: threats that did not deter her from speaking out; skin chemicals that deter predators. 2. To prevent or discourage (an action or behavior): installed surveillance cameras to deter vandalism. 3. To make less likely or prevent from happening: protocols to deter infection.
deter (somebody) (from something/from doing something) to make somebody decide not to do something or continue doing something, especially by making them understand the difficulties and unpleasant results of their actions. I told him I wasn't interested, but he wasn't deterred.
Deter means to discourage, or literally “to frighten away.” Halloween decorations that are too scary might deter trick-or-treaters, and the risk of being expelled deters kids from cheating in school. Deter comes from the Latin de meaning "away" and terrere meaning "frighten."
