What does it mean to daunt someone?

To daunt someone means to discourage or intimidate them, often causing feelings of fear or apprehension. This term captures the essence of creating doubt or anxiety in an individual, often leading them to feel overwhelmed or hesitant in the face of challenges.

In contrast, inspiring confidence and encouraging optimism are about uplifting and motivating individuals, which is directly opposite to the effect of daunting. Reassurance also serves to alleviate fears and provide comfort, further diverging from the meaning of discouragement that daunt embodies. Therefore, the correct understanding of "daunt" clearly aligns with the idea of discouragement, making that the accurate choice.