v. & n.
v.tr. (3rd sing. present usu. dare before an expressed or implied infinitive without to) 1 (foll. by infin. with or without to) venture (to); have the courage or impudence (to) (dare he do it?; if they dare to come; how dare you?; I dare not speak; I do not dare to jump). 2 (usu. foll. by to + infin.) defy or challenge (a person) (I dare you to own up). 3 literary attempt; take the risk of (dare all things; dared their anger).
n. 1 an act of daring. 2 a challenge, esp. to prove courage. I dare say 1 (often foll. by that + clause) it is probable. 2 probably; I grant that much (I dare say, but you are still wrong). darer n.
[ OE durran with Gmc cognates: cf. Skr. dhrsh, Gk tharseo be bold ]