dis·cour·age / disˈkərij; -ˈkə-rij/ • v. [tr.] cause (someone) to lose confidence or enthusiasm: I don't want to discourage you, but I don't think it's such a good idea | [as adj.] (discouraging) the discouraging effect of poor employment prospects. ∎  prevent or seek to prevent (something) by showing disapproval or creating difficulties: the plan is designed to discourage the use of private cars. ∎  persuade (someone) against an action: we want to discourage children from smoking.DERIVATIVES: dis·cour·age·ment n.dis·cour·ag·er n.dis·cour·ag·ing·ly adv.

discourage XV. — OF. descourager (mod. dé-); see DIS- 2, 4, COURAGE.