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Intermediate Dictionary
       

dis·cour·age

discourage

 
 
pronunciation:
dih skuh rihj
features:
Word Parts
part of speech: verb
inflections: discourages, discouraging, discouraged
definition 1: to cause to lose hope or confidence.
His bad test grade discouraged him.
antonyms:
encourage
similar words:
dampen, depress, dismay
definition 2: to try to prevent or persuade not to do.
Her parents discouraged her from going skydiving.
synonyms:
deter
antonyms:
incite, prompt, spur, stimulate, tempt
similar words:
admonish, caution, hinder, restrain, warn
derivation: discouragingly (adv.)
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