deters; deterred; deterring
1
: to cause (someone) to decide not to do something
Some potential buyers will be deterred by the price.
—often + fromThey hoped that the new law would deter advertisers from making false claims.
The heavy fines should deter [=discourage] people from dumping garbage here.
2
: to prevent (something) from happening
He played an important role in international efforts to deter [=prevent] nuclear war.
Painting the metal will deter rust.
Cite this Entry
“Deter.” Merriam-Webster.com Simple Definition, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/simple/deter. Accessed 14 Apr. 2026.
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