/di skerr"ij meuhnt, -skur"-/ , n.
1. an act or instance of discouraging.
2. the state of being discouraged.
3. something that discourages: Poor health and poverty are grave discouragements.
[ 1555-65; descouragement, OF descoragement. See DISCOURAGE, -MENT ]
Syn. 2. depression, dejection, hopelessness. See despair. 3. deterrent, damper, impediment, obstacle, obstruction.
Ant. 1-3. encouragement.