deter
2 synonyms and 5 antonyms for deter, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To discourage someone from doing something, usually through fear of a consequence.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use deter
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
deter crime
deter someone from
fail to deter
Etymology
From Latin deterrere, "to frighten away" — from de- ("away") and terrere ("to frighten").
Full origin of deter →Frequently asked questions
What does “deter” mean?
The word “deter” means to discourage someone from doing something, usually through fear of a consequence. In plain terms, to put someone off doing something, usually by making it seem risky or unappealing.
How do you pronounce “deter”?
“Deter” is pronounced dih-TUR (/dɪˈtɝ/ in IPA).
How do you use “deter” in a sentence?
Here is “deter” used in a sentence: “The high fence is meant to deter trespassers.”
What part of speech is “deter”?
“Deter” is a verb.
Where does the word “deter” come from?
The word “deter” comes from Latin. From Latin deterrere, "to frighten away" — from de- ("away") and terrere ("to frighten").
Is “deter” a common word?
“Deter” is an uncommon word in modern English.
