daunt

daunt

verb \ˈdȯnt, ˈdänt\

Definition of DAUNT

transitive verb

: to lessen the courage of : cow, subdue

Examples of DAUNT

1. <the raging inferno didn't daunt the firefighters for a moment>

Origin of DAUNT

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

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to DAUNT

Synonyms: chill, discourage, demoralize, dishearten, dismay, dispirit, frustrate, unman, unnerve

Antonyms: embolden, encourage, hearten, nerve, steel

Related Words: browbeat, bully, cow, intimidate; depress, sadden, weigh; afflict, try; damp, dampen, deaden; distress, trouble; bother, irk, vex, worry; debilitate, enfeeble, undermine, weaken; frighten, horrify, scare

Near Antonyms: buoy (up), cheer, gladden; animate, enliven, invigorate; enforce, fortify, reinforce (also reenforce), strengthen; assure, reassure; boost, energize, excite, galvanize, inspire, lift, provoke, quicken, rally, stimulate, stir

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See Synonym Discussion at dismay

Rhymes with DAUNT

aunt, flaunt, font, fount, gaunt, taunt, vaunt, want, wont