Discourage: meaning, definitions and examples

When you want to make someone less confident or enthusiastic about something, usually in a more general or broad sense.

• The teacher tried to discourage the students from procrastinating.
• Negative comments can discourage people from pursuing their dreams.

Used to imply preventing someone from taking an action out of fear or doubt, often in a stronger or more forceful manner than 'discourage'.

• High fines are meant to deter people from breaking the law.
• The dog barking loudly deterred the burglar.

Appropriate when someone starts to lose hope or confidence, typically because of a setback or difficulty.

• The continuous failures began to dishearten the team.
• Seeing the empty stadium disheartened the young performer.

Used specifically when trying to convince someone not to do something, often through reasoning or argument.

• His friends tried to dissuade him from making a risky investment.
• The campaign aims to dissuade teenagers from smoking.

When you talk to someone and make them feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something.

• Her parents tried to discourage her from quitting her job.
• The negative reviews discouraged him from watching the movie.

When you advise or persuade someone not to do something, usually through reasoning or argument.

• I tried to dissuade him from taking the dangerous route.
• She dissuaded him from buying the expensive car.

When you try to make someone decide not to do something by making it difficult or showing potential negative consequences.

• High fines are used to deter people from speeding.
• The guard dog helped to deter intruders.

When you stop something from happening or someone from doing something by taking action beforehand.

• Wearing a seatbelt can prevent injuries during an accident.
• The quick response of the firefighters prevented a major disaster.