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Definition of deter

deter

/dɪˈtɜːr/
de · ter
Adjective:deterrent
•
Past Simple:deterred
•
Past Participle:deterred
•
Present Participle:deterring
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deter Lexical Profile

deter Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To discourage or prevent someone from acting by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.

Example

"High fines are intended to deter motorists from parking illegally in the city center."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
View all antonyms for deter

• Rhymes for deter

• Nearby Words

detective
detector
detention
deter
detergent
deteriorate
deterioration

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 16th century from Latin 'deterrere', meaning 'to frighten away from', formed from 'de-' ('away from') and 'terrere' ('to frighten', also the root of 'terror').

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Deter. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/deter
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