dissuade

To dissuade someone means to persuade them not to do something, often by presenting arguments, reasons, or warnings against it. It's more than just offering advice; it involves actively trying to change their mind and steer them away from a particular course of action.

Think of it like gently (or not so gently!) redirecting a river. You're not physically stopping the water, but you're building up barriers – in this case, reasons – to make it flow another way. For example: "Her parents tried to dissuade her from pursuing a career as an artist," meaning they attempted to convince her that it wasn't a practical or wise choice.

Dissuading someone often involves appealing to their logic, emotions, or sense of responsibility. You might say, "I would dissuade you from driving in this weather; the roads are icy and dangerous." It's important to note that dissuasion doesn't always succeed – people can be stubborn! But it represents a genuine effort to influence their decision.

The word is often used when the action being discouraged carries some risk or potential negative consequences. You wouldn't typically say you tried to "dissuade" someone from eating ice cream, but you might try to dissuade them from making a risky investment.

So, if you're trying to talk someone out of something by offering compelling reasons for them to reconsider, you are attempting to dissuade them.