Daunt: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to something that causes a feeling of intimidation or fear, often making someone less confident.

• The size of the mountain did not daunt the experienced climber.
• She was daunted by the complexity of the project.

Appropriate for situations where someone uses threats or authority to make someone feel scared or less confident. Often has a negative connotation.

• The bully tried to intimidate the younger kids.
• The opponent's aggressive tactics were meant to intimidate the team.

Used when talking about making someone feel less confident or enthusiastic about doing something.

• The teacher's harsh words did not discourage him from pursuing his dreams.
• Poor weather can discourage tourists from visiting the city.

Suitable for situations where you want to prevent an action or discourage someone from doing something by making it difficult or dangerous.

• The security cameras are installed to deter theft.
• High fines are intended to deter people from speeding.

Best used when something or someone causes a sudden and intense feeling of fear.

• The loud noise frightened the children.
• He was frightened by the unexpected appearance of a snake.

Used when something or someone causes fear, often suddenly or unexpectedly. It's a more general and casual term than 'frighten'.

• The sudden appearance of the clown scared the kids.
• He loves to scare people with his spooky stories.

Used to describe making someone feel less confident or instilling a sense of fear or discouragement.

• The height of the mountain did not daunt the experienced climbers

Refers to the act of making someone feel afraid or less confident, often through threats or aggressive behavior. Has a negative connotation.

• The bullies used intimidation to control the other kids

Describes a loss of confidence or enthusiasm, often causing someone to give up.

• Repeated failures led to his feelings of discouragement

A strong, unpleasant feeling caused by being aware of danger or expecting something bad.

• His fear of heights prevented him from climbing the ladder

Refers to a feeling of anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen.

• She felt a sense of apprehension before her job interview

Expresses a sudden or complete loss of courage or resolution due to an unexpected event or disappointment.

• She looked at her broken vase with dismay