deter

[dih-tur]

verb (used with object)

deterred, deterring 

1. to discourage or restrain from acting or proceeding.

   The large dog deterred trespassers.

2. to prevent; check; arrest.

   timber treated with creosote to deter rot.

3. to repel.

   Strongly scented marigolds planted among the melons are supposed to deter beetles.

deter

/ dɪˈtɜː /

verb

1. (tr) to discourage (from acting) or prevent (from occurring), usually by instilling fear, doubt, or anxiety

Other Word Forms

• determent noun
• deterrable adjective
• deterrability noun
• deterrer noun
• undeterrability noun
• undeterrable adjective
• undeterrably adverb
• undeterring adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of deter¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Latin dēterrēre “to discourage, put off, frighten,” equivalent to dē-, prefix and preposition + terrēre “to frighten, scare”; de-

Word History and Origins

Origin of deter¹

C16: from Latin dēterrēre, from _de- + terrēre to frighten

Example Sentences

The hawks were employed by SoFi Stadium to deter other birds from flying over SoFi Stadium during the game, keeping fans safe from unpleasant aerial droppings and also keeping birds from eating discarded food.

From Los Angeles Times

“These Hawks are used during the games by a Falconer in order to deter other birds in the area.”

From Los Angeles Times

McGill, who has slipped to 57th in the world and was playing in his first final in eight years, was not deterred by losing the advantage.

From BBC

This summer the UK and France agreed to a year-long "one in, one out" pilot scheme as part of the government's strategy to deter small boat crossings.

From BBC

"It shows you that the world community has failed drastically in deterring Israel from expanding its oppressive policies," says Barghouti.

From BBC

Related Words

• avert 
• block 
• dampen 
• daunt 
• discourage 
• dissuade 
• forestall 
• frighten 
• hinder 
• impede 
• intimidate 
• obstruct 
• preclude 
• prevent 
• prohibit 
• restrain 
• scare 
• stop