Words / C1

di-TUR/dɪˈtɜː/

To deter is to discourage someone from acting, often by making the cost or risk higher: deter crime, deter applicants. Put off is the everyday phrasal verb; discourage is a close synonym. Deterrent is the noun (a deterrent to cheating) and deterrence the policy word. In speech, put people off is more natural; the pattern is deter someone from + -ing.

Meaning

To discourage someone from doing something, often by making it difficult.

Examples

• “High fees should not deter talented students.”
• “Higher deposits may deter casual bookings, not serious students.”
• “Cameras did little to deter the graffiti.”

Good to know

deter someone from + -ing. Noun: deterrent. Everyday: put off / discourage.

Near in meaning

discourage

New