What is a synonym of the word dissuade?

When mrs. jameson says "it (the desert) won't leave you cold," what does she mean?

What is one reason dante most likely wrote the inferno? a. to fight against the church's view of punishing sin b. to clear his father's name for the wrongs he is accused of c. to show he was a better poet than virgil d. to take revenge on the people in florence who hurt him

Who is generally considered a postmodern author