dissuasive

Dissuasive is an adjective meaning tending to dissuade; having the effect of discouraging someone from a particular action or belief. It describes language, arguments, or measures intended to deter rather than persuade.

Etymology and form: Dissuasive derives from the verb dissuade, with the suffix -ive. It is related to the noun dissuasion and shares its roots with the Latin dissuadere, meaning to advise against. The term is less common in everyday usage than its verbal counterpart, and some dictionaries note it as a variant spelling or a less frequent form.

Usage and context: The word is used in analyses of rhetoric, policy, law, and communication to characterize elements that aim to deter a course of action. It can describe statements, warnings, or institutional rules designed to discourage behavior. In contrast to persuasive language, which seeks to convince, dissuasive content focuses on discouragement, often through highlighting risks, costs, or negative consequences.

Variants and usage notes: Dissuasive is relatively uncommon compared with dissuade (verb) and dissuasion (noun). Some sources treat it as a legitimate but rare variant; others prefer the more common forms. In many contexts, authors choose clearer alternatives such as deterrent, discouraging, or dissuasive rhetoric.

See also:

- Dissuasion

- Dissuade

- Persuasion

- Deterrence