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

One is driven by weak economic growth, the other stems from political instability, which discourages investment and growth and pushes people deeper into poverty, fuelling social unrest.

Read more on BBC

Throughout Updike’s life he had a panoply of discouraging but not-terribly-threatening illnesses: asthma, dental failures and, above all, psoriasis.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

My parents never pushed me to act, nor did they discourage me.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Many are discouraged by shrinking job opportunities in the U.S. and the possibility of deportation even with the proper paperwork.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

“What is happening is profoundly discouraging for young students seeking careers in the federal public service,” he said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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