as in to dissuade
to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action we tried to deter him from his crazy scheme, but to no avail

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Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of deter These leaders are preparing for, and in some cases actively engaging in operations that defend the American homeland, ensure global stability, and deter and if necessary, defeat our most significant adversaries. David A. Deptula, Forbes.com, 13 May 2025 Nobles added she’s not deterred by the issues her future industry is facing. Sarah Dewberry, CNN Money, 12 May 2025 Washington state leaders like Sen. Manka Dhingra, D-Redmond said his comments could deter international tourists from visiting Seattle and the U.S., as previously reported by The Center Square. Center Square, The Washington Examiner, 10 May 2025 The ordinance has also received pushback from some business leaders, who believe that the requirement of community benefits will deter development. Esther Sun, Sacbee.com, 9 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for deter
Recent Examples of Synonyms for deter
Verb
  • Discouraging migration The controversy over tattoos has dissuaded Luis Abreu, 20, from attempting to migrate to the United States.
    Gustavo Ocando Alex, Miami Herald, 1 May 2025
  • At the time, Newsom was urgently seeking federal disaster funding and looking to dissuade Trump from following through on his threats to extract concessions from California in exchange for financial assistance.
    Joey Cappelletti and Jonathan J. Cooper, Los Angeles Times, 30 Apr. 2025
Verb
  • This could discourage aggressive use, especially if there is concern over accountability or the risk of losing valuable hardware.
    Vikram Mittal, Forbes.com, 8 May 2025
  • The primary reason for the 10-minute time limit is to discourage loitering, Heinzelman said.
    Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 7 May 2025

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“Deter.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/deter. Accessed 20 May. 2025.

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