Definitions

deter

[dih-tur] / dɪˈtɜr /

VERB

check, inhibit from action

Synonyms

STRONGEST

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

STRONG

caution chill cool damp debar divert forfend obviate warn

WEAK

act like a wet blanket disadvise put a damper on put off rule out shut out stave off talk out of throw cold water on

Antonyms

STRONGEST

advance aid allow assist encourage facilitate forward hearten help incite inspirit permit promote push support

STRONG

heat warm

WEAK

instigate persuade put on to stimulate turn on urge

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

A cheap hypersonic missile on aircraft carriers could help U.S. forces pop China’s defensive bubble—and thus help deter Beijing from causing a crisis in the first place.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 12, 2026

The farmer has attempted to deter people from loitering by spreading cattle slurry near the worst affected spots.

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

“This suggests that the gains in market share may have stemmed from subsidized firms’ ability to lower their prices, undercut their competitors, and deter them from making investments.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 1, 2026

From a tactical standpoint, the fort is unlikely to deter Hezbollah’s new crop of attack drones, which rely on fiber-optic cables and are impervious to jamming.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026

Thus did Mother Ermentrude in her wisdom deter me from my desperate course and guide me to a new path.

From "Ophelia" by Lisa Klein

Vocabulary lists containing deter

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