Deter | Mean of deter in English Dictionary

/dɪˈtɚ/

• Verb
• to cause (someone) to decide not to do something
1. Some potential buyers will be deterred by the price.
2. They hoped that the new law would deter advertisers from making false claims.
3. The heavy fines should deter [=discourage] people from dumping garbage here.
• to prevent (something) from happening
1. He played an important role in international efforts to deter [=prevent] nuclear war.
2. Painting the metal will deter rust.