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