verb
dissuade
dih-SWAYD/dɪˈsweɪd/
To persuade someone not to do something.
The hiker dissuades her companion from crossing by pointing out the broken planks.
Etymology
Suadere meant “recommend as good” and is related to Latin suavis, “sweet” or “pleasant.” With dis- directing the advice against something, dissuading means arguing someone away from an action.
In context
the USSR and the United States both acquiring thousands of nuclear weapons only to dissuade the other side from firing first at you.
More examples
- I dissuaded him from buying a car he couldn't afford.
- She explains the risks, hoping to dissuade us.
- Nothing I say dissuades my sister from running for mayor.
Forms
dissuade · dissuades · dissuaded · dissuading
dissuasion noun — Persuasion aimed at preventing an action.
Similar words
- discourage
- Reduces willingness or confidence, without necessarily using persuasive arguments.
- deter
- Prevents action through fear of consequences or other obstacles.