dissuades
Steers someone away
Dissuades is the third-person singular form of dissuade, meaning to convince someone not to do something they were considering.
Where persuade moves someone toward an action, dissuade moves them away from it.
Her lawyer dissuades her from speaking to the press.
The word implies successful discouragement—if someone merely tries but fails to change your mind, they haven't truly dissuaded you.
Prevent through intimidation
- discourageDiminish someone's confidence
- preventStop in advance
- cautionCareful attention to risk
- disincentivizeMake something less attractive
inhibit · restrain · check · forestall · thwart · obstruct · impede · block
Reasoned case or dispute
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- objectionExpression of disapproval
- rebuttalFormal response disputing claims
refutation · rhetoric · eloquence · debate · negotiation · plea · appeal · convince
Cause to lose hope
- dispiritCause to lose hope
- dejectTo lower spirits
- demotivateReduce someone's eagerness
- demoralizeDestroy confidence or resolve
deflate · dampen · crush · disappoint · sadden · dismay · frustrate · undermine
deter
Prevent through intimidation
- discourageDiminish someone's confidence
- preventStop in advance
- cautionCareful attention to risk
disincentivize · inhibit · restrain · check · forestall · thwart · obstruct · impede · block · hinder
argument
Reasoned case or dispute
- counterargumentPoint challenging another's position
- reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
- objectionExpression of disapproval
rebuttal · refutation · rhetoric · eloquence · debate · negotiation · plea · appeal · convince · rationalization
dishearten
Cause to lose hope
- dispiritCause to lose hope
- dejectTo lower spirits
- demotivateReduce someone's eagerness
demoralize · deflate · dampen · crush · disappoint · sadden · dismay · frustrate · undermine · weaken
daunt
Discourage through fear
- intimidateInstill fear to control
- frightenCause sudden alarm
- scareCause sudden fright
unnerve · dismay · cow · browbeat · bully · threaten · menace · alarm · startle · overawe