discourage

[ dih-skur-ij, -skuhr- ]

verb (used with object)

, dis·cour·aged, dis·cour·ag·ing.

1. to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.

   Synonyms: intimidate, cow, overawe, disparage, abash, deject, depress, daunt

   Antonyms: encourage

2. to dissuade (usually followed by from ).
3. to obstruct by opposition or difficulty; hinder:

   Low prices discourage industry.

4. to express or make clear disapproval of; frown upon:

   to discourage the expression of enthusiasm.

verb (used without object)

, dis·cour·aged, dis·cour·ag·ing.

1. to become discouraged:

   a person who discourages easily.

discourage

/ dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ /

verb

1. to deprive of the will to persist in something
2. to inhibit; prevent

   this solution discourages rust

3. to oppose by expressing disapproval

Derived Forms

• disˈcourager, noun
• disˈcouragingly, adverb
• disˈcouragement, noun

Other Words From

• dis·cour·ag·er noun
• dis·cour·age·a·ble adjective
• dis·cour·ag·ing·ly adverb
• o·ver·dis·cour·age verb (used with object) overdiscouraged overdiscouraging
• pre·dis·cour·age verb (used with object) prediscouraged prediscouraging
• un·dis·cour·age·a·ble adjective
• un·dis·cour·ag·ing adjective
• un·dis·cour·ag·ing·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discourage¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English discoragen, from Middle French descorager, Old French descoragier; dis- ¹, courage

Synonym Study

Discourage, dismay, intimidate mean to dishearten or frighten. To discourage is to dishearten by expressing disapproval or by suggesting that a contemplated action or course will probably fail: He was discouraged from going into business. To dismay is to dishearten completely: Her husband's philandering dismayed her. To intimidate is to frighten, as by threats of force, violence, or dire consequences: to intimidate a witness.

Example Sentences

If law enforcement’s goal is to discourage consumption by forcing dealers to raise their prices, they’re falling far behind.

From Salon

The cost of baby milk has surged in recent years, while retailers in the UK are not allowed to advertise or offer discounts on infant formula because it might discourage breastfeeding.

From BBC

Describing himself as “young, aspirational and delusional”, Stephens said he would discourage anyone from reaching the same heights without a support system in place.

From BBC

Two years after Los Angeles City Hall scandal, voters have the chance to enact key reforms to discourage corruption and increase independent ethics oversight.

From Los Angeles Times

An hour later, Trump, possibly seeking to discourage voters wary of the police, continued lying on Truth Social: "Philadelphia and Detroit! Heavy Law Enforcement is there!!!"

From Salon

Related Words

• alarm
• bother
• confuse
• dampen
• daunt
• demoralize
• depress
• dismay
• frighten
• intimidate
• irk
• scare
• trouble
• unnerve