discourage

Etymology

From Middle French descourager (modern French décourager), from Old French descouragier, from des- and corage. Surface analysis dis- + courage.

verb

1. (transitive) To extinguish the courage of; to dishearten; to depress the spirits of; to deprive of confidence; to deject.
   Don't be discouraged by the amount of work left to do: you'll finish it in good time.
2. (transitive) To persuade somebody not to do (something).
   Discourage litigation. Persuade your neighbors to compromise whenever you can. 1854, Abraham Lincoln., Notes for a Law Lecture

noun

1. (rare) Lack of courage