to make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive, to discourage or dishearten someone

daunted by the thought of something, not daunted by something, dauntless spirit

daunting task, daunting challenge, daunting prospect

Formal and Informal Expressions of daunt

In different contexts, you can replace 'daunt' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'intimidate, dishearten' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'scare off, put off' is a commonplace synonym.

daunt: Explore its Definition & Usage

daunt Definition

1to make someone feel intimidated or apprehensive
2to discourage or dishearten someone

Using daunt: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "daunt" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The size of the task ahead daunted him.
Example
She was not daunted by the challenge and continued to work hard.
Example
The prospect of speaking in front of a large audience daunts me.
Example
The steep climb to the summit daunted even the most experienced climbers.

daunt Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for daunt

Antonyms for daunt

Idioms Using daunt

daunted by the thought of something
to feel intimidated or discouraged by the idea of something
Example
She was daunted by the thought of having to speak in public.
not daunted by something
to not be intimidated or discouraged by something
Example
Despite the challenges, he was not daunted by the task ahead.
dauntless spirit
a fearless or courageous attitude
Example
Her dauntless spirit inspired others to take action and stand up for what they believed in.

Phrases with daunt

daunting task
a task that seems difficult to accomplish or achieve
Example
The daunting task of writing a novel can be overwhelming for many writers.
daunting challenge
a challenge that seems difficult to overcome or conquer
Example
The daunting challenge of climbing Mount Everest requires months of preparation and training.
daunting prospect
a prospect that seems difficult or challenging to face
Example
The daunting prospect of finding a new job can be stressful and overwhelming.

Origins of daunt

from Old French 'danter', meaning 'to tame'

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Summary: daunt in Brief

'Daunt' [dawnt, dahnt] means to intimidate or discourage someone, often in the face of a difficult task or challenge. It can be used to describe a person's emotional state, as in 'The prospect of speaking in front of a large audience daunts me.' The term is also used in phrases like 'daunting task,' 'daunting challenge,' and 'daunting prospect,' which all refer to situations that seem difficult or challenging to face.