daunt
DAWNTverbMeaning to make someone feel discouraged or afraid to try
Memory hook DAUNT = DON’T: the mountain says DON’T. The giant mountain seems to say “Don’t!” to tiny Felix at its foot. Its size daunts him, and he almost turns back.
The steep trail did not daunt Granny Mae; she reached the top before anyone else.
In context Most climbers would have turned back at the icy cliff, but the long drop did not daunt Tia, who checked her ropes and started up.
Similar discourage, dishearten, frighten, intimidate
Opposite encourage, embolden, hearten
From Old French danter, from Latin domitare, “to tame.”