to make someone feel less confident, enthusiastic, and positive about something, or less willing to do something

The thought of how much work she had to do discouraged her. 一想到还有那么多工作得做她就泄了气。

to prevent or try to prevent something happening or someone doing something, by making things difficult or unpleasant, or by showing disapproval

a campaign to discourage people from smoking 阻止人们吸烟的运动

The authorities have put tanks on the streets to discourage any protest. 当局调动坦克上街以阻止抗议活动。