Need another word for Discourage? Use these synonyms of Discourage from our thesaurus to say it differently.
Synonyms & Similar Words
deter
dissuade
discourage
dishearten
demoralize
depress
deject
demotivate
disincline
unnerve
unsettle
unsteady
intimidate
cow
daunt
dismay
dispirit
frighten
scare
threaten
alarm
warn
caution
advise
persuade
talk out of
put off
turn off
repel
repulse
deter
hinder
obstruct
block
frustrate
thwart
foil
disappoint
displease
Meaning of Discourage
The primary meaning of the word "discourage" is to deprive someone of confidence or enthusiasm.
Definitions
- To deprive someone of confidence or enthusiasm, especially by making them feel that something is not worth doing or is unlikely to be successful.
- * To persuade someone not to do something.
Etymology of Discourage
The word "discourage" comes from the Old French word "descoragier", which is derived from "des-" (meaning "away from" or "opposite of") and "coragier" (meaning "to encourage"), with the Latin root "cor" meaning heart.
Historically, the word has been used since the 15th century to describe the act of depriving someone of courage or confidence.
Example Uses
- The high failure rate of the exam discouraged many students from taking it.
- * Her parents' disapproval discouraged her from pursuing a career in the arts.
- * The company's financial troubles discouraged investors from buying stocks.