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

• 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

Start small—it'll get easier These conversations might be daunting. —Stav Ziv, CNBC, 30 Sep. 2025

Whether CEOs view the new age of AI with optimism or concern, the constant talk of AI replacing jobs could feel daunting for employees. —Jessica Coacci, Fortune, 30 Sep. 2025

Most of the American team made their way up that daunting hill of the 18th green to follow the Henley-Lowry match. —Brody Miller, New York Times, 29 Sep. 2025

Even for an industry veteran like Regina Hall, who plays a revolutionary tasked with overseeing Willa’s protection, the concept of shooting Paul Thomas Anderson’s largest, most expensive endeavor yet was daunting. —Seija Rankin, HollywoodReporter, 26 Sep. 2025

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

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