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Definition of dissuade

dissuade

/dɪˈsweɪd/
Adverb:dissuasively
•
Adjective:dissuasive
•
Past Simple:dissuaded
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Past Participle:dissuaded
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Present Participle:dissuading
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dissuade Lexical Profile

dissuade Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To persuade or advise someone against a particular course of action or belief.

Example

"Her academic advisor tried to dissuade her from taking on too many advanced courses in a single semester."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for dissuade
Antonyms
View all antonyms for dissuade

Word Nuance & Usage

'Dissuade' is almost always followed by the preposition 'from' and a gerund or noun phrase (e.g., 'dissuade someone from leaving'), whereas its opposite, 'persuade', is typically followed by an infinitive ('persuade someone to stay') or 'into' ('persuade someone into staying').

• Rhymes for dissuade

• Nearby Words

dissolvent
dissonance
dissonant
dissuade
dissuader
distance
distant

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the late 15th century from Latin 'dissuadere', formed from 'dis-' (apart, away) and 'suadere' (to advise or urge), sharing the same root as 'persuade' and 'suave'.

Cite this Entry

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