dissuasive

From Middle French dissuasif.

• (UK) IPA^(key): /dɪˈsweɪzɪv/

dissuasive (comparative more dissuasive, superlative most dissuasive)

1. Tending to dissuade, or divert from a measure or purpose; dehortatory.
   • 2010, Helon Habila, Oil on Water, AudioGO (2011), page 86:

     When Nkem stepped forward to ask him a question, he made a dissuasive gesture with his gun, making Nkem jump back immediately.

• dissuasively (adverb)

• dissuade
• dissuasion

dissuasive (plural dissuasives)

1. That which dissuades; a disincentive.
   • 1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volumes (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC:

     Among other particulars which constituted the unfitness of things in Mr Square's opinion, danger and difficulty were two. The difficulty therefore which he apprehended there might be in corrupting this young wench, and the danger which would accrue to his character on the discovery, were such strong dissuasives, that it is probable he at first intended to have contented himself with the pleasing ideas which the sight of beauty furnishes us with.

• “dissuasive”, in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, Springfield, Mass.: G. & C. Merriam, 1913, →OCLC.

• IPA^(key): /di.sy.a.ziv/
• Homophone: dissuasives

dissuasive

1. feminine singular of dissuasif

dissuasive

1. feminine plural of dissuasivo