daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt 

ˈdänt

daunted; daunting; daunts

transitive verb

: to lessen the courage of : cow, subdue

obstacles that would have daunted a man of less intrepid mind

—Adeline Adams

Synonyms

• chill
• demoralize
• discourage
• dishearten
• dismay
• dispirit
• frustrate
• unman
• unnerve

Choose the Right Synonym for daunt

dismay, appall, horrify, daunt mean to unnerve or deter by arousing fear, apprehension, or aversion.

dismay implies that one is disconcerted and at a loss as to how to deal with something.

dismayed at the size of the job

appall implies that one is faced with that which perturbs, confounds, or shocks.

I am appalled by your behavior

horrify stresses a reaction of horror or revulsion.

was horrified by such wanton cruelty

daunt suggests a cowing, disheartening, or frightening in a venture requiring courage.

a cliff that would daunt the most intrepid climber

Examples of daunt in a Sentence

the raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment

Recent Examples on the Web

Full Story Consumer watchdog faces daunting future under Trump The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) is headed for a rocky future under President-elect Trump. —Aris Folley, The Hill, 9 Dec. 2024

In today’s fiercely competitive and unpredictable market, even the most iconic brands face daunting challenges. —Jeetendr Sehdev, Forbes, 27 Nov. 2024

Week after week, another top-notch opponent appears on the Panthers’ daunting national schedule. —Glenn Graham, Baltimore Sun, 1 Nov. 2024

After arriving in this country, the families face daunting challenges and hardship, including lack of resources, complex immigration laws and a harsh political environment. —Jim Harrington, Austin American-Statesman, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Anglo-French danter, daunter, from Latin domitare to tame, frequentative of domare — more at tame

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt 

ˈdänt

: to lessen the courage of : make afraid