discourage

[dih-skur-ij, -skuhr-]

verb (used with object)

discouraged, discouraging 

1. to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.

   Synonyms: intimidate, cow, overawe, disparage, abash, deject, depress, daunt
   Antonyms: encourage

2. to dissuade (usually followed byfrom ).

3. to obstruct by opposition or difficulty; hinder.

   Low prices discourage industry.

4. to express or make clear disapproval of; frown upon.

   to discourage the expression of enthusiasm.

verb (used without object)

discouraged, discouraging 

1. to become discouraged.

   a person who discourages easily.

discourage

/ dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ /

verb

1. to deprive of the will to persist in something

2. to inhibit; prevent

   this solution discourages rust

3. to oppose by expressing disapproval

Other Word Forms

• discourager noun
• discourageable adjective
• discouragingly adverb
• overdiscourage verb (used with object)
• prediscourage verb (used with object)
• undiscourageable adjective
• undiscouraging adjective
• undiscouragingly adverb
• discouragement noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of discourage¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English discoragen, from Middle French descorager, Old French descoragier; dis- ¹, courage

Synonym Study

Discourage, dismay, intimidate mean to dishearten or frighten. To discourage is to dishearten by expressing disapproval or by suggesting that a contemplated action or course will probably fail: He was discouraged from going into business. To dismay is to dishearten completely: Her husband's philandering dismayed her. To intimidate is to frighten, as by threats of force, violence, or dire consequences: to intimidate a witness.

Example Sentences

"Today, when we look at the fines, they are not very discouraging."

Read more on BBC

Two factors discourage students the most from integrating AI in their studies: Being accused of academic misconduct and the fear of getting false or biased results.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

It also allows political movements to consolidate power by sanctifying their leaders and discouraging dissent.

Read more on Salon

If women are discouraged from eating a lot then it’s equally true that they are criticized for having ambition.

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The proclamation states that H-1B abuses “present a national security threat by discouraging Americans from pursuing careers in science and technology, risking American leadership in these fields.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• alarm 
• bother 
• confuse 
• dampen 
• daunt 
• demoralize 
• depress 
• dismay 
• frighten 
• intimidate 
• irk 
• scare 
• trouble 
• unnerve