discourage

dis·cour·age

transitive verb \dis-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij\

dis·cour·ageddis·cour·ag·ing

Definition of DISCOURAGE

1

: to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten <was discouraged by repeated failure>

2

a : to hinder by disfavoring <trying to discourage absenteeism>

b : to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something <tried to discourage her from going>

— dis·cour·age·able \-jə-bəl\ adjective

— dis·cour·ag·er noun

— dis·cour·ag·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb

Examples of DISCOURAGE

1. Try not to let losing discourage you.
2. The area's dry climate discourages agriculture.
3. He claims the new regulations will discourage investment.
4. That type of behavior ought to be discouraged.

Origin of DISCOURAGE

Middle English discoragen, from Middle French descorager, from Old French descoragier, from des- dis- + corage courage

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to DISCOURAGE

Synonyms

chill, daunt, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, frustrate, unman, unnerve, throw cold water on

Antonyms

embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel

Related Words

browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate; depress, sadden, weigh; afflict, try; damp, dampen, deaden; distress, trouble; bother, irk, vex, worry; debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken; frighten, horrify, scare

Near Antonyms

buoy (up), cheer, gladden; animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, inspire, lift, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

Rhymes with DISCOURAGE

demurrage, Dutch courage, encourage