Deter Meaning
/dɪˈtɜː/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo prevent something from happening.
verbTo persuade someone not to do something; to discourage.
Sentence Examples
You will not deter me!
His ominous words did not deter Mary.
Tom installed security cameras on his property to deter thieves.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
CEFR Practice Quiz
The high cost of tickets may ____ people from attending the concert.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You will not ____ me!
Word Origin & History
Etymology tree Latin dēterreōbor. English deter Borrowed from Latin dēterreō (“deter, discourage”), from de (“from”) + terreō (“to frighten”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Such a male-dominated environment is also likely to contribute to the lingering presence of an outdated belief that expressing feelings and demonstrating emotion is a sign of weakness, deterring some men from discussing their problems."
— 2020 July 1, Paul Stephen, “Vital Connections”, in Rail, page 41:
"Among the remaining contention points between the two armies is an eastern region called the Depsang Plains. Military analysts said that the Chinese Army was not allowing Indian troops to patrol in that area, even though they have done so for decades. While India’s military is already stretched thin, said Saurav Jha, editor in chief of the Delhi Defense Review, it still needs to keep up a permanent patrol to deter China."
— 2022 September 9, Sameer Yasir, “2 Years After Deadly Fistfights, India and China Pull Back From Border”, in The New York Times, →ISSN, →OCLC, archived from the original on 09 Sep 2022, Asia Pacific:
"we have in following enquiry, attempted to throw some light upon subjects, from which uncertainty has hitherto deterred the wise"
— 1748, David Hume, Enquiries concerning the human understanding and concerning the principles of moral., London: Oxford University Press, published 1973, § 10:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The high cost of tickets may ____ people from attending the concert.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
You will not ____ me!