First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
discourage
verb dis·cour·age \dis-ˈkər-ij, -ˈkə-rij\
: to make (someone) less determined, hopeful, or confident
: to make (something) less likely to happen
: to try to make people not want to do (something)
dis·cour·ageddis·cour·ag·ing
Full Definition of DISCOURAGE
transitive verb
1
: to deprive of courage or confidence : dishearten <was discouraged by repeated failure>
2
a : to hinder by disfavoring <trying to discourage absenteeism> b : to dissuade or attempt to dissuade from doing something <tried to discourage her from going>
— dis·cour·age·able \-jə-bəl\ adjective
— dis·cour·ag·er noun
— dis·cour·ag·ing·ly \-jiŋ-lē\ adverb
See discourage defined for English-language learners
See discourage defined for kids
ADVERTISEMENT
Origin of DISCOURAGE
Middle English discoragen, from Middle French descorager, from Old French descoragier, from des- dis- + corage courage
Related to DISCOURAGE
Rhymes with DISCOURAGE
DISCOURAGE Defined for Kids
discourage
verb dis·cour·age \dis-ˈkər-ij\
dis·cour·ageddis·cour·ag·ing
Definition of DISCOURAGE for Kids
1
: to make less determined, hopeful, or confident <Yet another failed attempt didn't discourage him.>
2
: to make less likely to happen <The law discourages speeding.>
3
: to try to persuade not to do something <Don't let them discourage you from trying out.>
— dis·cour·age·ment \-mənt\ noun
Learn More About DISCOURAGE
Browse
Next Word in the Dictionary: discouragedlyPrevious Word in the Dictionary: discount rateAll Words Near: discourage
ADVERTISEMENT
Seen & Heard
What made you want to look up discourage? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).