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Definition of daunt

daunt

/dɔːnt/
daunt
Adverb:dauntingly
•
Adjective:daunting
•
Past Simple:daunted
•
Past Participle:daunted
•
Present Participle:daunting
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daunt Lexical Profile

daunt Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To make someone feel intimidated, apprehensive, or discouraged, especially in the face of a difficult task or situation.

Example

"The sheer complexity of the legal case did not daunt the young attorney."

2

To subdue or tame (archaic).

Example

"Ancient legends tell of heroes who could daunt the fiercest beasts of the forest."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for daunt
Antonyms
View all antonyms for daunt

Word Nuance & Usage

The verb 'daunt' is most frequently used in the passive voice (especially in negative constructions such as 'refused to be daunted') or via its participial adjectives 'daunting' and 'undaunted'.

• Rhymes for daunt

• Nearby Words

daughterless
daughterly
daule
daunt
daunting
dauntingly
dauntless

Word Origin & Etymology

Entered Middle English from Old French 'danter' or 'donter', which comes from the Latin 'domitare' (to tame or break in), a frequentative form of 'domare' (to tame).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Daunt. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/daunt
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