Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Intended to deter or discourage someone from a course of action: The primary meaning of "dissuasive" describes something, such as advice, an argument, or an action, that is meant to persuade someone not to do something.

Examples of Usage

• Adjective:
  • She offered dissuasive advice, warning him of the project's high risks.
  • The high cost of tuition can be a dissuasive factor for many prospective students.
  • He made a dissuasive gesture, shaking his head to stop me from speaking.

Advanced Usage

• "Acting in a dissuasive capacity": Serving the function of discouraging an action.
  • The security presence at the event was intended to be dissuasive against any potential disturbances.
• Used in formal or analytical contexts: Often appears in discussions of policy, law, psychology, or rhetoric.
  • The study examined the dissuasive effects of the new tax on tobacco consumption.

Variants and Related Words

• Dissuade (verb): To persuade someone not to take a particular course of action.
  • I tried to dissuade him from quitting his job.
• Dissuasion (noun): The action or process of dissuading someone.
  • Her efforts at dissuasion were ultimately unsuccessful.

Synonyms

• Discouraging: Tending to prevent or deter by reducing confidence or enthusiasm.
• Deterrent: Something that discourages or is intended to discourage someone from acting.
• Admonitory: Expressing warning or disapproval.

Antonyms

• Persuasive: Good at persuading someone to do or believe something.
• Encouraging: Giving someone support, confidence, or hope.
• Incentive: A thing that motivates or encourages someone to do something.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Dissuasive argument: A line of reasoning presented to convince someone against a proposed action.
  • He presented a powerful dissuasive argument based on the financial implications.
• Dissuasive measure: An action or policy implemented to discourage specific behavior.
  • High fines are a common dissuasive measure against illegal parking.

Adjective

1. deterring from action
   • dissuasive advice
   • made a slight dissuasive gesture with her hand