Deterred
/dɪˈtɜrdərd/
verbB2past tense
Definition
To be deterred means to decide not to do something because of fear, doubt, or a warning. It often happens when a person sees a risk or a reason that makes them think twice before acting. People, animals, or groups can be deterred from actions by obstacles or threats.
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See It in Action
To stop or discourage someone from doing something by fear or doubt
- •She was deterred from traveling alone because of the news about crime.
- •High prices deter many people from buying new cars.
- •The warning signs deterred him from entering the dangerous area.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of 'deterred' like 'stop,' but not by force—more like a warning or fear that makes you pause or change your mind.
- ✓Picture a big 'No Entry' sign that makes you think twice before going into a dangerous place.
- ✓It's the feeling when you want to do something, but you feel worried or scared about what might happen.
- ✓Sounds like 'de-terred' → imagine a 'door' that closes in front of you, stopping you from going forward.
- ✓Think of a story where a child wants to touch a hot stove but sees a warning and stops before getting hurt.
- ✓NOT like 'force' (which makes you stop by pushing or pulling)—'deterred' stops you by making you afraid or careful.
- ✓NOT like 'ignore' (which means to not care)—'deterred' means you care enough to stop or change your action.
- ✓NOT like 'prevent' (which means to make sure something does not happen)—'deterred' means you choose not to do something because of fear or doubt.
Try Other Words
- •Discouraged: feeling less confident or willing to do something (Use when the person feels less hope or confidence)
- •Prevented: made impossible to do something (Use when an action is blocked completely)
- •Stopped: made something end or not happen (Use when the action has already started or must end)
- •Frightened: made afraid (Use when fear is the main reason for not doing something)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: prefix 'de-' (meaning down or away) + root 'ter' from Latin 'terrere' (to frighten) + suffix '-ed' (past tense)
- •Etymology: From Latin 'deterrere,' meaning to frighten away or discourage
- •Historical development: Used since the 1600s to mean stopping or discouraging by fear or warning
- •Modern usage: Commonly used in law, safety, and everyday speech to describe stopping actions by showing risks or problems
Reflect & Connect
•Fill-in-blank: "What could deter someone from trying something new?"
•How do warnings or rules deter people in your country?
•Can being deterred sometimes be a good thing? Why or why not?
Fill in the blanks
1.I was deterred from _______ because _______.