Which term indicates the act of discouraging action?

• A. Endorse
• B. Deter
• C. Promote
• D. Prompt

Answer: (B)

Deter is the word that means to discourage someone from taking a specific action. It works by highlighting potential negative consequences or making the action seem less appealing, so the person opts not to do it. For example, penalties and warnings are meant to deter speeding by making the risks and costs clear. In contrast, endorse means approve or support, promote means encourage or advance, and prompt means to cause or urge someone to act, which all lean toward increasing action rather than discouraging it.