Deterrs

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. To discourage or prevent someone from acting; to create an obstacle or fear that stops an action; to influence a decision through intimidation or the potential of negative consequences
2. To inhibit someone's behavior through threats or consequences; to serve as a means of caution that dissuades an action; to dissuade by instilling doubt or fear about the outcome
3. To prevent a course of action by instilling fear of repercussions; to act as a roadblock to certain behaviors through negative reinforcement; to alter decision-making by highlighting potential dangers or losses

Etymology: "Deters" is the third-person singular present of "deter," so it describes someone or something that discourages a person from acting. "Deter" comes from Latin "deterrere," built from "de-," meaning "away" or "down from," and "terrere," meaning "to frighten." That makes the verb a frightening word at heart. Its root also gives English "terror," "terrify," and "terrible." The modern sense of stopping someone through fear or the threat of consequences keeps the original idea of scaring someone away.

Synonyms: discourages, dissuades, prevents, hinders, blocks

Antonyms: encourages, promotes, inspires, motivates, supports