discourage

Saydis-KUR-ij/dɪsˈkɝɪd͡ʒ/UK/dɪsˈkʌɹɪd͡ʒ/

Formsdiscourages, discouraging, discouraged

3 meanings of discourage

1
verbtransitive
To try to talk someone out of doing something.
Like a warning sign that makes people choose a different road.
Her parents tried to discourage her from quitting school.
The doctor discouraged him from lifting heavy boxes too soon.
Similardissuade, deter, prevent
Oppositeencourage, persuade, urge, induce
Note
2
verbtransitive
To make someone lose hope or confidence.
Like cold water poured on a small fire, slowly putting out someone's hope.
Repeated failures can discourage even the most determined student.
The bad news discouraged the whole team before the match.
Similardishearten, demoralize, dispirit, daunt, deflate
Oppositeencourage, hearten, embolden, inspire
Note
3
nounrareuncountable
A lack of bravery, when someone has no courage at all.
Like an empty feeling inside when you are too scared to try.
Their discourage at the sight of the enemy spread through the ranks.
He fought against the discourage that crept into his heart before the climb.
Similarfear, dismay, cowardice, timidity
Oppositecourage, bravery, valor, boldness

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Origin

From Old French descouragier, made from des- and corage (courage). In English it is dis- + courage.