Discourage

Pronunciation: /dɪˈskɜːrɪdʒ/

Discourage (verb)

  1. to make someone feel less confident or hopeful about something
  2. to try to stop someone from doing something by making it difficult or unpleasant
  3. to make someone less eager or interested in something

Examples

  • Negative comments can discourage students from trying again.
  • Criticism might discourage a person from pursuing their dreams.

Common collocations: discourage someone, discourage attempts, discourage behavior, discourage use, discourage interest

Synonyms of Discourage

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Antonyms of Discourage

  • when motivating or giving confidence
  • when filling someone with the urge to do something