deter Definition

deter
verb

deterred, deterring
1. To discourage or prevent someone or something from doing something because of fear of unpleasant consequences.

Thesaurus: discourage, dissuade, daunt, intimidate, frighten, repel, warn, caution, inhibit, put off; Antonym: encourage.

Derivative: determent
noun

See also deterrent.

Etymology: 16c: from Latin deterrere to frighten off.