v.
Pronunciation: di- ' t ə r, d ē -
Function: transitive verb
Inflected Form: de · terred ; de · ter · ring
Etymology: Latin deterr ē re, from de- + terr ē re to frighten ― more at TERROR
Date: circa 1547
1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting <she would not be deterred by threats>
2 : INHIBIT <painting to deter rust>
– de · ter · ment \ - ' t ə r-m ə nt \ noun
– de · ter · ra · bil · i · ty \ - ˌ t ə r- ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē \ noun
– de · ter · ra · ble \ - ' t ə r- ə -b ə l \ adjective