discourage

[dih-skur-ij, -skuhr-]

verb (used with object)

discouraged, discouraging 

1. to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.

   Synonyms: intimidate, cow, overawe, disparage, abash, deject, depress, daunt
   Antonyms: encourage

2. to dissuade (usually followed byfrom ).

3. to obstruct by opposition or difficulty; hinder.

   Low prices discourage industry.

4. to express or make clear disapproval of; frown upon.

   to discourage the expression of enthusiasm.

verb (used without object)

discouraged, discouraging 

1. to become discouraged.

   a person who discourages easily.

discourage

/ dɪsˈkʌrɪdʒ /

verb

1. to deprive of the will to persist in something

2. to inhibit; prevent

   this solution discourages rust

3. to oppose by expressing disapproval

Other Word Forms

• discourager noun
• discouragingly adverb
• discouragement noun
• discourageable adjective
• overdiscourage verb (used with object)
• prediscourage verb (used with object)
• undiscourageable adjective
• undiscouraging adjective
• undiscouragingly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of discourage¹

First recorded in 1400–50; late Middle English discoragen, from Middle French descorager, Old French descoragier; dis- ¹, courage

Synonym Study

Discourage, dismay, intimidate mean to dishearten or frighten. To discourage is to dishearten by expressing disapproval or by suggesting that a contemplated action or course will probably fail: He was discouraged from going into business. To dismay is to dishearten completely: Her husband's philandering dismayed her. To intimidate is to frighten, as by threats of force, violence, or dire consequences: to intimidate a witness.

Example Sentences

Any savings would depend on how much of a deterrent it would be in discouraging asylum seekers from coming to the UK.

From BBC

Then electricity was cut in communal spaces, such as the clubhouse, bathrooms and walkways, discouraging exercise and even short walks.

From Los Angeles Times

In turn, senators accused him of taking actions that contradict his promise seven months earlier that he would do “nothing that makes it difficult or discourages people from taking vaccines.”

From Los Angeles Times

However, California’s highest in the nation energy prices , tough land-use regulations and lack of blue-collar skills education discourage the construction of new data centers by the likes of Nvidia and Samsung.

From Los Angeles Times

In some cases, residents have tried to shoo away dogs from feeding spots to discourage people from providing them food.

From BBC

Related Words

• alarm 
• bother 
• confuse 
• dampen 
• daunt 
• demoralize 
• depress 
• dismay 
• frighten 
• intimidate 
• irk 
• scare 
• trouble 
• unnerve