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 WebOleh is also daunted by uncertainty about Ukraine’s plan to win.—Joel Gehrke, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 30 June 2024 Rather than be daunted by that change, Orlando City is embracing that and is prepared to deal with the different style of play required.—Kyle Foley, Orlando Sentinel, 27 June 2024 United’s recent woes, roster predicament, daunting matchup or rivalry results indicated that the visitors would depart Red Bull Arena on Saturday night with anything other than a fourth straight defeat.—Thomas Floyd, Washington Post, 30 June 2024 Editors’ Picks Yet even Dudamel may well be daunted by the position.—Zachary Woolfe, New York Times, 7 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for daunt
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'daunt.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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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