Standard Lemma guide

dissuasive

adj · noun · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • UK: /dɪˈsweɪzɪv/

1

adj

Meaning 1

Tending to dissuade, or divert from a measure or purpose; dehortatory.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

That which dissuades; a disincentive.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

adjective

Meaning 3

deterring from action

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • dissuasive advice
  • made a slight dissuasive gesture with her hand

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: persuasive

History

Etymology

From Middle French dissuasif.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Catalan: dissuasiu — tending to dissuade
  • Italian: dissuasivo — tending to dissuade
  • Manx: anchoyrlagh — tending to dissuade
  • Spanish: disuasivo — tending to dissuade
  • Spanish: disuasorio — tending to dissuade