verb
1.
to weaken the stamina, interest, or zeal of
the long winter and lack of fuel discouraged the settlers
Synonyms: chill, deject, demoralize, dishearten, disparage, dispirit
Related Word: depress, weigh; afflict, try; damp, dampen, droop; distress, trouble; bother, irk, vex
Idioms: take the heart out of
Contrasted words: cheer, embolden, hearten, inspirit, nerve, steel
Antonyms: encourage
2.
Synonyms: dissuade , deter, disadvise, divert
Related Word: check, inhibit, restrain; prevent; frighten, scare
Idioms: lay a wet blanket on, throw cold water on
Contrasted words: advocate, countenance, favor; approve, back, endorse
Antonyms: encourage