daunt

verb

ˈdȯnt How to pronounce daunt (audio)
ˈdänt
daunted; daunting; daunts
Synonyms of daunt

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

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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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
While outgoing people may have no issue with inserting themselves into a group or chat, for more reserved attendees, that can feel awkward or even daunting. — Kristen Rogers, CNN Money, 26 Oct. 2026 Such stylish emptiness is daunting, and one doesn’t envy those who are now being encouraged to try it on for size. — Anthony Lane, New Yorker, 26 Oct. 2026 While the schedule looked daunting, thanks to games against Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State and Indiana, 2026 was widely viewed as a turning point for the program. — Ian Miller Outkick, FOXNews.com, 25 Oct. 2026 The stairs had become untenable for Corcoran’s husband, but the prospect of another renovation was daunting. — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 See All Example Sentences for daunt

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

Time Traveler
The first known use of daunt was in the 14th century

Rhymes for daunt

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Browse Nearby Words

daunorubicin
daunt
daunting
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Cite this Entry

“Daunt.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daunt. Accessed 1 Nov. 2026.

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Kids Definition

daunt

verb
ˈdȯnt How to pronounce daunt (audio)
ˈdänt
: to lessen the courage of : make afraid
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