Avråda

Avråda is a Swedish verb meaning to advise against a course of action or to dissuade someone from doing something. It is used when a person in a position of authority or expertise expresses that a proposed action is not advisable due to risks, potential harm, or poor outcomes. The expression is common in medical, safety, legal, and advisory contexts, but also appears in everyday speech.

Grammatical usage centers on the construction avråda någon från att göra något, or avråda mot något. For example, “Läkaren avrådde patienten från att resa” or “Rådgivaren avrådde mot att investera i projektet.” The construction conveys stronger opposition than a simple suggestion and implies a professional judgment or preventive advice. Avråda can also appear with a direct object: “avråda från” followed by a noun phrase, as in “avråda från operationen” or “avråda från att ta bestimmten steg.”

Etymology and nuance: avråda consists of av-, a prefix indicating removal or opposition, and råda, which means to advise. The term denotes a formal or earnest recommendation against a course of action, though it does not carry an explicit prohibition; the decision remains with the person addressed. In contrast, a milder synonym is råda mot, while förbjuda or förbjuden implies a legal or authoritative ban.

See also: råda, råda mot, avråd, dissuade.

Note: In context, avråda is often used by professionals, authorities, or experienced individuals to communicate risk-aware warnings, rather than casual disapproval.