Main Entry: de·ter

Pronunciation: \di-ˈtər, dē-\

Function: transitive verb

Inflected Form(s): de·terred; de·ter·ring

Etymology: Latin deterrēre, from de- + terrēre to frighten — more at terror

Date: circa 1547

1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting <she would not be deterred by threats>
2 : inhibit <painting to deter rust>

— de·ter·ment \-ˈtər-mənt\ noun

— de·ter·ra·bil·i·ty \-ˌtər-ə-ˈbi-lə-tē\ noun

— de·ter·ra·ble \-ˈtər-ə-bəl\ adjective