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Definition of discourage

discourage

/dɪsˈkɜːr.ɪdʒ/
dis · cour · age
Adverb:discouragingly
•
Adjective:discouraging
•
Past Simple:discouraged
•
Past Participle:discouraged
•
Present Participle:discouraging
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discourage Lexical Profile

discourage Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To cause someone to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or hope; to dishearten.

Example

"She did not let the initial rejection of her manuscript discourage her from writing another novel."

2

To seek to prevent an action or event, or to persuade someone against doing something by expressing disapproval or creating difficulties.

Example

"Higher parking fees in the city center were introduced to discourage commuters from driving to work."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for discourage
Antonyms
View all antonyms for discourage

• Rhymes for discourage

• Nearby Words

discount
discountable
discounter
discourage
discouragement
discourager
discouraging

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 15th century from Old French 'descoragier', formed from the privative prefix 'des-' and 'corage' (courage, heart), ultimately from Latin 'cor' meaning 'heart'.

Cite this Entry

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