Word of the Day

: June 18, 2008

deter

verb di-TER

What It Means

1 : to turn aside, discourage, or prevent from acting

2 : inhibit

deter in Context

To deter shoplifters, the store posted signs listing the legal penalties for the crime.

Did You Know?

The word "deter" is rooted in fear. It was borrowed into English around the mid-16th century from the Latin verb "deterrēre," which in turn was formed by combining "de-," meaning "from" or "away," with "terrēre," meaning "to frighten." "Terrēre" is also the source of "terror," "terrible," and even "terrific," which originally meant "very bad" or "frightful." These days, you may be deterred by something that frightens you or by something that simply causes you to think about the difficult or unpleasant consequences of continuing. The word can also mean "to inhibit," as in "painting to deter rust."