deter

What does “deter” mean?

verb.to discourage (someone) from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of the consequences.

SAT Usage

this term often appears in contexts related to decision-making, risk assessment, or law enforcement. It emphasizes the proactive measures taken to prevent undesirable actions, suggesting a strategic approach to influence behavior, which distinguishes it from similar words like "discourage," as it implies a stronger focus on instilling fear or doubt to prevent actions.

Common Confusions

Deter implies a proactive strategy to instill fear or doubt to prevent an action, while discourage usually suggests a general discouragement without the same emphasis on fear or consequences.

Example Sentences

• Strong penalties help deter people from committing fraud.

• The increased security measures were implemented to deter potential intruders from attempting to breach the facility.

Word Parts: How to Remember “deter”

Break “deter” into its parts: de- (down, away, un-). Knowing roots like these helps you decode unfamiliar SAT vocabulary.

• Prefix: de- down, away, un- (Latin)