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
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Despite daunting market conditions, America’s youngest generation of adults is managing to break into the housing market in growing numbers.—Sara Chernikoff, USA Today, 3 Sep. 2025 The company faces daunting hurdles to get there.—Jeremy Bogaisky, Forbes.com, 2 Sep. 2025 Until then, the rocky slopes of Colorado will continue to serve as a training ground, preparing astronauts for the daunting descent to the moon.—Samantha Mathewson, Space.com, 1 Sep. 2025 While the scale is daunting, Jawitz believes the emotional core will resonate across borders.—Essie Assibu, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for daunt
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Anglo-French danter, daunter, from Latin domitare to tame, frequentative of domare — more at tame
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