ISEE/SSAT Vocabulary Builder›Words›D›deter
ISEE/SSAThard
deter
to discourage someone from doing something, typically through fear or difficulty
Synonyms
- discourage
- dissuade
Antonyms
- encourage
- incite
deter in a sentence
Bright floodlights deter burglars from approaching the house at night.
The warning sign did little to deter hikers from climbing the unstable cliff.
Where it comes from
From Latin deterrere, from de- 'away' + terrere 'to frighten'
Memory hook
DE-TER — TERrify someone enough to make them back away.
Read it in context
- Before Sunrise Narrative