deter

[ dih-tur ]

verb (used with object)

, de·terred, de·ter·ring.

1. to discourage or restrain from acting or proceeding:

   The large dog deterred trespassers.

2. to prevent; check; arrest:

   timber treated with creosote to deter rot.

3. to repel:

   Strongly scented marigolds planted among the melons are supposed to deter beetles.

deter

/ dɪˈtɜː /

verb

1. tr to discourage (from acting) or prevent (from occurring), usually by instilling fear, doubt, or anxiety

Derived Forms

• deˈterment, noun

Other Words From

• de·ter·ment noun
• de·ter·ra·ble adjective
• de·ter·ra·bil·i·ty [dih-tur-, uh, -, bil, -i-tee], noun
• de·ter·rer noun
• un·de·ter·ra·bil·i·ty noun
• un·de·ter·ra·ble adjective
• un·de·ter·ra·bly adverb
• un·de·ter·ring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deter¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin dēterrēre “to discourage, put off, frighten,” equivalent to dē-, prefix and preposition + terrēre “to frighten, scare”; de-

Word History and Origins

Origin of deter¹

C16: from Latin dēterrēre, from de- + terrēre to frighten

Example Sentences

One said: "The whole way through he has made threats - we have to not let it deter us".

From BBC

The same woman tried to get Doe’s attention so she could act as a “crotch blocker” to deter Hegseth’s sexual advances, according to the report.

From Los Angeles Times

The sword of Damocles hasn't deterred Gaetz's allies from hyping him up for a return to Congress as a House member, as a senato or for a Trump administration post that doesn't require Senate approval.

From Salon

The Aztec death whistle seems to acoustically and affectively mimic other deterring sounds.

From Science Daily

Even when Israeli and international activists accompany villagers to their olive groves, hoping to deter the threat, there’s no guarantee of safety.

From BBC

Related Words

• avert
• block
• dampen
• daunt
• discourage
• dissuade
• forestall
• frighten
• hinder
• impede
• intimidate
• obstruct
• preclude
• prevent
• prohibit
• restrain
• scare
• stop