discourage

Discourage is a verb meaning to cause someone to lose confidence, enthusiasm, or willingness to act. It can also mean to deter someone from pursuing a particular course of action. Discouragement may be intentional, such as when cautious advice aims to prevent a risky decision, or it can arise unintentionally from criticism, pessimism, or repeated failure.

The term originates from Old French discourager, formed from des- "remove" or "undo" + courage "heart, spirit." In modern usage, it yields related forms such as discouraging (adjective), discouraged (past participle), and discouragement (noun).

In education, work, and everyday life, discouragement can affect motivation, persistence, and performance. Negative or dismissive feedback can discourage effort, while constructive, supportive guidance can reduce discouragement and promote continued engagement. Discouragement can be deliberate, for example to deter a course of action, or unintended, reflecting bias, fear, or frustration.

Discourage contrasts with encourage, which aims to bolster confidence and initiative. It is related to but distinct from dissuade and deter, which emphasize preventing a specific action rather than shaping overall morale. Understanding discouragement involves psychology, communication, and social context.