DETER most nearly means:

DETER means to discourage someone from doing something, typically by instilling doubt or fear of consequences. Example: 'Security cameras deter shoplifters.' From Latin 'de-' (from, away) + 'terrere' (to frighten). Synonyms: discourage, dissuade, hinder, prevent, inhibit, intimidate. Antonyms: encourage, persuade, incite, induce. Related: DETERRENT (something that deters — example: 'nuclear deterrent'); DETERRENCE (the action of deterring). The military concept of DETERRENCE: making the cost of an aggressive action high enough that the enemy chooses not to act. Don't confuse with: DETECT (to discover or notice); DETER (to discourage); DETERMINE (to decide). All start with 'de-' but have very different meanings — careful reading and recognition of each word matters. Other words frequently confused: AFFECT/EFFECT, ACCEPT/EXCEPT, COMPLIMENT/COMPLEMENT, PRINCIPAL/PRINCIPLE.