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 of daunt

• discourage
• frustrate

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

Victory at Craven Cottage would have flattered Liverpool and, on current form, Thursday’s trip to the Emirates to face leaders Arsenal is a daunting proposition. —James Pearce, New York Times, 5 Jan. 2026

But the prospect of facing quarterback Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, who are reportedly resting along with all other Eagles starters in their final regular season game, is a daunting one given San Francisco’s struggle against the run game. —Michael McGough, Sacbee.com, 4 Jan. 2026

Filing taxes can be daunting, even overwhelming. —Olivia Munson, USA Today, 2 Jan. 2026

In some therapeutic situations, paradoxical intent might involve elements of exposure therapy or breaking down daunting projects into smaller, easier tasks, both of which might contribute to its power. —Richard A. Friedman, The Atlantic, 2 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English daunten, borrowed from Anglo-French danter, daunter, going back to Latin domitāre "to subdue, bring under control," frequentative of domāre "to subdue, tame" — more at tame entry 1

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for daunt

• flaunt
• font
• gaunt
• haunt
• jaunt
• pont
• taunt
• vaunt
• want
• avant
• croissant
• detente

Kids Definition

daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt 

ˈdänt

: to lessen the courage of : make afraid