Synonyms for discourage

verb

1. To dishearten

   dispirit, dampen, dismay, daunt, intimidate, demoralize, repress, dampen the spirits, deprive of courage, lessen the self-confidence of, break one's heart, deject, prostrate, unnerve, scare, confuse, overawe, cow, bully, cast down, chill, damp, unman, throw a wet blanket on*, throw cold water on*, beat down, cast gloom upon, dash one's hopes; see also depress 2, frighten 1.

   Antonyms encourage*, cheer, inspire.

2. To warn

   dissuade, alarm, disincline, talk out of; see warn 1.

3. To restrain

   obstruct, impede, hinder, check, quiet, interfere with, withhold, keep back, inhibit, dissuade, disincline, curb, deter, control, turn aside, hold back, hold off, repress; see also restrain 1.

   Antonyms help*, expedite, facilitate.