dissuasive

comparative more dissuasive · superlative most dissuasive

1. Tending to dissuade, or divert from a measure or purpose; dehortatory.

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

   2010, Helon Habila, Oil on Water, AudioGO (2011), page 86

plural dissuasives

1. That which dissuades; a disincentive.

   1 more example

   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.

   1749, Henry Fielding, The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling, volume (please specify |volume=I to VI), London: A[ndrew] Millar, […], →OCLC