Search results
- 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"
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 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."
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.
2 days ago · verb. To deter someone from doing something means to make them not want to do it or continue doing it. Supporters of the death penalty argue that it would deter criminals from carrying guns. [VERB noun + from] Arrests and jail sentences have done nothing to deter the protesters. [VERB noun] Jeremy was not deterred by this criticism. [VERB noun]
Detailed meaning of deter. When someone is deterred, they are dissuaded from doing something that they may have been considering. The term 'deter' is often used in the context of law enforcement or military operations, where measures are taken to deter potential criminal or enemy activities.
: to prevent (something) from happening. He played an important role in international efforts to deter [= prevent] nuclear war. Painting the metal will deter rust. DETER meaning: 1 : to cause (someone) to decide not to do something often + from; 2 : to prevent (something) from happening.
