put off

Verb

• avoid or try to avoid fulfilling, answering, or performing (duties, questions, or issues)
  • He dodged the issue
    
  • she skirted the problem
    
  • They tend to evade their responsibilities
    
  • he evaded the questions skillfully
    

• cause to feel embarrassment
  • The constant attention of the young man confused her
    

• take away the enthusiasm of

• cause to feel intense dislike or distaste

• hold back to a later time
  • let's postpone the exam
    

Related words

• Synonyms: 
  confuse , flurry , disconcert , dishearten , turn off
• Antonyms: 
  cheer , hearten , recreate , embolden