deter — to discourage or prevent someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to discourage or prevent someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences
Pronunciation (IPA): /dɪˈtɜːr/
Example Sentences
- High prices don't seem to deter people from buying the latest iPhone.
- The teacher's strict rules were meant to deter students from cheating.
- Not even her mom's cooking could deter him from visiting every weekend.
deter
VERB[/dɪˈtɜːr/]
to discourage or prevent someone from doing something by making them doubt or fear the consequences

Bright motion-sensor lights deter the burglar from approaching the house.

DE (away) + TER (frighten with terror) — by using a loud alarm to TER (frighten) the thieves DE (away), the security system managed to deter the break-in.

Watching the mountain path blur in the thick fog and fearing a disaster might occur, the harsh storm managed to deter the climbers.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Latin 'deterrere', composed of 'de-' (away) and 'terrere' (to frighten or scare). The word entered English in the 16th century with the meaning of discouraging or preventing through fear of consequences.
Breakdown
de- (away, off) + terrere (to frighten, scare) = deter (to discourage or prevent by instilling fear)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“High prices don't seem to deter people from buying the latest iPhone.”
“The teacher's strict rules were meant to deter students from cheating.”
“Not even her mom's cooking could deter him from visiting every weekend.”
“The warning signs failed to deter the curious hikers.”
📚Related Words
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