(dâr)
verb dared dared,
dar·ing,
dares dares verb, transitive- To have the courage required for: The gymnast dared a breathtakingly difficult move.
- To challenge (someone) to do something requiring boldness: They dared me to dive off the high board.
- To confront or oppose boldly. See Synonyms at defy.
verb, intransitive To be courageous or bold enough to do or try something: Go ahead and dive if you dare.
verbaux. To be courageous or bold enough to: I dare not say. How dare she go?
noun An act of daring; a challenge.
Related Forms:
Usage Note: Depending on its sense, the verb
dare sometimes behaves like an auxiliary verb (such as
can or
may) and sometimes like a main verb (such as
want or
try). When used as an auxiliary verb,
dare does not change to agree with its subject:
Let him say that if he dare. It also does not combine with
do in questions, negations, or certain other constructions:
Dare we tell her the truth? I dare not mention their names. Finally, it does not take
to before the verb that follows it:
If you dare breathe a word about it, I'll never speak to you again. When used as a main verb,
dare does agree with its subject (
If he dares to show up at her house I'll be surprised), and it does combine with
do (
Did anyone dare to admit it?). It may optionally take
to before the verb following it:
No one dares (or
dares to)
speak freely about the political situation. The auxiliary forms differ subtly in meaning from the main verb forms in that they emphasize the attitude or involvement of the speaker while the main verb forms present a more objective situation. Thus
How dare you operate this machinery without proper training? expresses indignation at the action, whereas
How do you dare to operate this machinery without proper training? is a genuine request for information. When
dare is used as a transitive verb meaning “challenge,” only main verb forms are possible and
to is required:
Anyone who dares him to attempt it will be sorry.