Logo
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

daunt

verb
\ ˈdȯnt How to pronounce daunt (audio) , ˈdänt\
daunted; daunting; daunts

Definition 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 & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym More Example Sentences Learn More about daunt

Keep scrolling for more

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

 For people dealing with mental health issues, the journey can seem like a lonely and daunting one. — Danielle Pointdujour, Essence, "The Upgrade: Three Mental Health Apps To Help You Live Better," 28 Aug. 2019 Different teammates, an unfamiliar coaching staff and a foreign playbook make the jump daunting. — Colin Barnard, The Denver Post, "Graduate transfers settling into roles throughout CSU football’s defense," 20 Aug. 2019 But this task felt particularly daunting: 1,310 miles, five hotels, three cities, and three modes of transit—planes, trains, and automobiles—all in four weeks. — Sarah Firshein, Condé Nast Traveler, "What I Learned While Traveling Alone With a Baby," 9 Aug. 2019 Still, the space crunch is daunting and holding people who are denied asylum until they are deported can only pose more challenges. — Washington Post, "Asylum ban may further stain immigrant detention facilities," 18 July 2019 Still, the space crunch is daunting and holding people who are denied asylum until they are deported can only pose more challenges. — Nomaan Merchant, Twin Cities, "Asylum ban may further strain immigrant detention facilities," 17 July 2019 The game’s solar system feels both vast and navigable, daunting and comforting. —E.L. — Nick Romano, EW.com, "10 best videogames of 2019 (so far)," 27 June 2019 The day-to-day practice of primary care feels daunting and unsatisfying. — STAT, "We were inspired to become primary care physicians. Now we’re reconsidering a field in crisis," 20 June 2019 Some of those teams get a lot more interested in adding players in late August and were not daunted by the intricacies of slipping a player through waivers and then negotiating a deal. — John Shipley, Twin Cities, "John Shipley: End of waiver trades has made it harder, and more expensive, for Twins to find bullpen help," 23 July 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'daunt.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

See More

First Known Use of daunt

14th century, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for daunt

Middle English, from Anglo-French danter, daunter, from Latin domitare to tame, frequentative of domare — more at tame

Keep scrolling for more

Keep scrolling for more

More Definitions for daunt

daunt

verb
How to pronounce daunt (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of daunt

somewhat formal : to make (someone) afraid or less confident

See the full definition for daunt in the English Language Learners Dictionary

daunt

verb
\ ˈdȯnt How to pronounce daunt (audio) \
daunted; daunting

Kids Definition of daunt

: discourage sense 1, frighten The dangers didn't daunt them.

Keep scrolling for more

WORD OF THE DAY

cataract

play

See Definitions and Examples

Get Word of the Day daily email!