easy
The rain did not deter us from walking.
What does Deter mean?
Deter means discourage or stop someone from doing something.
Dictionary definition
To stop or discourage someone from doing something.
Example sentences
Deter in a sentence
medium
A locked gate can deter people from entering.
hard
Clear rules can deter unsafe choices before problems begin.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice deter in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Deter
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What does deter mean?
Deter means to stop or discourage someone from doing something.
Practice 2
Which sentence uses deter correctly?
This sentence uses deter to mean discourage or stop an action.
Practice 3
Which word is an antonym of deter?
Encourage means make someone more likely to act, which is the opposite of deter.
Practice complete
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Pronunciation coach
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Deter
Voice settings
Sounds like
dih · tur · strongest beat: tur
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordDeter.
Partverb.
MeaningDeter means discourage or stop someone from doing something.
ExampleExample: The rain did not deter us from walking.
Word breakdown
2 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- dih · tur
- Strongest beat
- tur
- Ending
- tur
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on tur.
Your turn
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Synonyms
Words like Deter
discourageUse when making someone less likely to do something.
preventUse when stopping something from happening.
Antonyms
Opposite words
Synonym practice
Want to practice deter synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The reminder may deter students from leaving books behind," then compare close word choices. Practice deter synonyms.
Word family
Deter word family
Base word
deter
verb
deter
To discourage or stop someone.
verb
deterred
Discouraged or stopped in the past.
noun
deterrent
Something that discourages an action.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Deter
Hint for students
Deter means discourage or stop someone from doing something.
Common mix-up
Deter is not the same as encourage. Deter means deter means discourage or stop someone from doing something.
Try it in class or at home
Read this model sentence: A locked gate can deter people from entering. Clue words: locked, gate, people. Underline clue words that show why deter fits instead of encourage. Now write one new sentence that shows deter without using the word deter. Ask: Does my sentence clearly show deter?
Teacher prompt
Ask students to explain this model sentence: "A locked gate can deter people from entering." Why does deter fit better than encourage?
Learning activities
Practice Deter and explore more word games
Cards labelled “Practice DETER” keep this word in focus. Explore cards open games with other words.
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Sentence Builder
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