Daunted

/ˈdɔːntɪd/ adjective

Definition

Intimidated, discouraged, or made to feel afraid or uncertain; feeling less confident.

Etymology

From the past participle of 'daunt,' which comes from Old French 'danter' or 'donter,' possibly from Latin 'domitare' (to tame). The word entered Middle English with the sense of intimidating or subduing someone's courage.

Kelly Says

The phrase 'nothing daunted' meaning 'unafraid' became so popular that English speakers forgot 'daunt' was originally a French/Latin taming word—we now think of it as inherently about emotional intimidation rather than physical mastery.

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