discourage

1 to lessen the courage or confidence of <I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again> Synonyms chill, daunt, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, frustrate, unman, unnerve 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 Phrases throw cold water on 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 Antonyms embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel

2 to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action <the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway> Synonyms deter, dissuade, inhibit Related Words divert; unsell; repel Near Antonyms egg (on), exhort, goad, prod, urge; impel, induce, prompt Antonyms encourage, persuade