Definition of "deter" []

• To prevent or discourage from acting, as by means of fear or doubt: "Does negotiated disarmament deter war?” ( Edward Teller). See Synonyms at dissuade. (verb-transitive)
• To prevent or discourage the occurrence of an action, as by means of fear or doubt: "It's this edge that gives nuclear weapons their power to deter” ( Thomas Powers). (verb-intransitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "While these adverse effects should certainly not deter from the use of these compounds where absolutely indicated (given the considerable morbidity associated with severe psychiatric disorders), avoidance of weight gain remains an important challenge that needs to be addressed."
• "Do not let the Young Adult label deter you either."
• "Don't let those nasty e-mails and phone calls deter you from your position."