What does it mean to "daunt" someone?

To "daunt" someone means to frighten or intimidate them. This term originates from the idea of instilling a sense of fear or apprehension, making someone feel overwhelmed or less confident in their ability to face a challenge. When a person feels daunted, they may hesitate or back down due to the fear of the task ahead. The understanding of this word is often applied in contexts where a situation, like a daunting challenge or a daunting task, appears so formidable that it disheartens or discourages individuals from proceeding.

In contrast, the other options suggest different actions or feelings that do not align with intimidation or fear. For instance, encouraging someone is quite the opposite of causing fear, while assisting in a journey implies support rather than intimidation. Similarly, confusing someone directs toward disorientation rather than evoking fear, which makes those options inconsistent with the definition of "daunt."