verb to discourage or prevent someone from doing something
Negative consequences can deter individuals from engaging in harmful behaviors.
High prices can deter consumers from purchasing certain goods or services.
To deter crime, police presence is increased in high-crime areas.
The threat of retaliation can deter potential aggressors from attacking.
Writers may use 'deter' in the context of deterring readers from certain actions or behaviors through their writing. For example, a writer may seek to deter young readers from experimenting with drugs by portraying the negative consequences in a story.
Psychologists may use 'deter' when discussing strategies for deterring harmful behaviors or thoughts in their clients. For example, a psychologist may work with a client to deter self-harming behaviors by developing coping mechanisms and alternative strategies.