deter
verb (used with object)
to discourage or restrain from acting or proceeding.
are deterring
-
present progressiveof deter.present progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or state that is currently taking place in the immediate present.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
This timeframe and the enormous associated costs are deterring financiers, "who are turning to investments with much faster returns", said Louvet.
From Barron's ● Feb. 21, 2026
Last week, homebuilder Hovnanian Enterprises HOV -7.12%decrease; red down pointing triangle said high mortgage rates and broader economic concerns tied to tariffs are deterring U.S. consumers from buying houses.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 8, 2025
Instructors have said delays in booking their own exams, "astronomical" costs and a "convoluted" testing process are deterring people from the industry.
From BBC ● Apr. 26, 2025
“The Armed Forces of Ukraine are deterring this offensive,” the president said.
From Los Angeles Times ● May 22, 2022
“A poor regulatory framework, sabotage and vandalization of oil facilities” are deterring needed spending in Nigeria, the International Energy Agency said in its report.
From New York Times ● Jan. 4, 2022
