verb (used with object), dis·cour·aged, dis·cour·ag·ing.
- to deprive of courage, hope, or confidence; dishearten; dispirit.
- to dissuade (usually followed by from).
- to obstruct by opposition or difficulty; hinder: Low prices discourage industry.
- to express or make clear disapproval of; frown upon: to discourage the expression of enthusiasm.
verb (used without object), dis·cour·aged, dis·cour·ag·ing.
- to become discouraged: a person who discourages easily.
verb (tr)
- to deprive of the will to persist in something
- to inhibit; preventthis solution discourages rust
- to oppose by expressing disapproval
mid-15c., discoragen, from Middle French descourager, from Old French descoragier, from des- “away” (see dis-) + corage (see courage). Related: Discouraged; discouragement; discouraging.