discourage | Definition of discourage

Synonyms and Antonyms of discourage

1 to lessen the courage or confidence of

I didn't let losing discourage me from trying again

Synonyms of discourage

chill, daunt, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, frustrate, unman, unnerve

Words Related to discourage

browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate

depress, sadden, weigh

damp, dampen, deaden

distress, trouble

bother, irk, vex, worry

debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken

frighten, horrify, scare

Phrases Synonymous with discourage

throw cold water on

Near Antonyms of discourage

buoy (up), cheer, gladden

animate, enliven, invigorate

enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen

assure, reassure

boost, energize, excite, galvanize, inspire, lift, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

Antonyms of discourage

embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel

2 to steer (a person) from an activity or course of action

the higher fines may help discourage drivers from speeding on the highway

Synonyms of discourage

deter, dissuade, inhibit

Words Related to discourage

Near Antonyms of discourage

egg (on), exhort, goad, prod, urge

impel, induce, prompt

Antonyms of discourage

encourage, persuade