the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English
adj. Causing or indicating discouragement.
The Century Dictionary and Cyclopedia
Tending to dishearten or to depress the courage; disheartening: as, discouraging prospects.
WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.
adj. expressing disapproval
adj. depriving of confidence or hope or enthusiasm and hence often deterring action
Word Usage
"At the same time, cops can play an important role in discouraging crime*, if we were faced with increasing crime, the lack of cops would leave us with seriously limited options, and of course not everywhere is my street."