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

Whoever succeeds Guterres faces a daunting set of challenges, ranging from climate change and AI regulation to internal battles over the organization’s future funding. — Prashant Rao, semafor.com, 22 Sep. 2026

The environment hasn’t been as daunting since UCF joined the Big 12 in 2023. — Steven Johnson, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 22 Sep. 2026

The big old house with its wide wooden floors, and the clattering sound that his hobnail boots made, didn’t daunt him. — Literary Hub, 21 Sep. 2026

Another blowout loss to Carolina puts the Falcons at 0-2 to start the season, with a daunting schedule ahead and few answers at quarterback. — Rod Beard, AJC.com, 20 Sep. 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