verb
daunt
DAWNT/dɔːnt/
To make someone feel less confident or willing to try.
The steep climbing wall daunts the older woman, who hesitates at its base.
Etymology
The original idea of taming or subduing developed into overcoming someone’s courage. Daunt first meant to conquer or vanquish, then came to describe making someone feel intimidated or discouraged.
In context
no difficulties to daunt them nothing could turn them or influence them against their determination
More examples
- The amount of paperwork daunts many first-time applicants.
- She feels daunted by the prospect of speaking in public.
- A few early setbacks did not daunt the young inventor.
Forms
daunt · daunts · daunted · daunting
dauntless adjective — Not discouraged or intimidated by difficulties.
Similar words
- intimidate
- Emphasizes fear, often caused by threats or displays of power.
- discourage
- Emphasizes reducing hope or willingness, without necessarily causing fear.