v. 1 tr. announce openly or formally (declare war; declare a dividend). 2 tr. pronounce (a person or thing) to be something (declared him to be an impostor; declared it invalid). 3 tr. (usu. foll. by that + clause) assert emphatically; state explicitly. 4 tr. acknowledge possession of (dutiable goods, income, etc.). 5 tr. (as declared adj.) who admits to be such (a declared atheist). 6 tr. (also absol.) Cricket close (an innings) voluntarily before all the wickets have fallen. 7 tr. Cards a (also absol.) name (the trump suit). b announce that one holds (certain combinations of cards etc.). 8 tr. (of things) make evident, prove (your actions declare your honesty). 9 intr. (foll. by for, against) take the side of one party or another. declare oneself reveal one's intentions or identity. well, I declare (or I do declare) an exclamation of incredulity, surprise, or vexation. declarable adj. declarative adj. declaratively adv. declaratory adj. declaredly adv. declarer n.
[ ME f. L declarare (as DE-, clarare f. clarus clear) ]