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.
The stairs had become untenable for Corcoran’s husband, but the prospect of another renovation was daunting. — David Foxley, Architectural Digest, 21 Oct. 2026 The patriarchal, academic, hierarchical setting of hospitals, particularly university hospitals, is overwhelmingly daunting for me. — Literary Hub, 20 Oct. 2026 Gene therapy can be a daunting process that may deter some patients. — Steven Ross Johnson, CNBC, 16 Oct. 2026 California is home to lots of great schools, and picking one can seem daunting. — Anne Ewbank, Sacbee.com, 12 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 27 Oct. 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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