Something that discourages or deters someone from doing something; a factor that reduces motivation.
From dis- (opposite) + incentive (from Medieval Latin incentivus, setting in motion, from incendere, to kindle). The prefix dis- inverts the meaning, creating the opposite of an incentive—something that extinguishes rather than kindles motivation.
Economists discovered this word was crucial when describing policy effects—taxes can be a disincentive to work, high prices a disincentive to buy. It became essential in policy debates because it's more precise than 'discouragement': you need the opposite force to counteract an incentive.
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