Deter \De*ter"\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Deterred}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Deterring}.] [L. deterrere; de + terrere to frighten, terrify. See {Terror}.] To prevent by fear; hence, to hinder or prevent from action by fear of consequences, or difficulty, risk, etc. --Addison. [1913 Webster] Potent enemies tempt and deter us from our duty. --Tillotson. [1913 Webster] My own face deters me from my glass. --Prior. [1913 Webster]