de ‧ clare W2 /dɪˈkleə $ -ˈkler/ BrE AmE verb
[ Date: 1300-1400 ; Language: Latin ; Origin: declarare , from clarare 'to make clear' ]
1 . STATE OFFICIALLY [transitive] to state officially and publicly that a particular situation exists or that something is true:
A state of emergency has been declared.
declare that
The court declared that Brown’s case should be reviewed.
declare somebody/something (to be) somebody/something
Several countries wanted Antarctica to be declared a ‘world park’.
The city was declared to be in a state of siege.
I declare you man and wife.
declare something illegal/invalid etc
The war was declared illegal by the International Court of Justice.
Mr Steel has been declared bankrupt (=it has been officially stated that he cannot pay his debts) .
We celebrate September 16, the day when Mexico declared independence from Spain (=officially stated that it was no longer ruled by Spain) .
2 . STATE WHAT YOU THINK [transitive] to say publicly what you think or feel:
‘It’s not fair,’ Jane declared.
He declared his intention to stand for president.
declare that
Carol held a press conference and declared that she was innocent.
declare yourself (to be) something
Edward declared himself angry and frustrated.
3 . declare war (on somebody/something)
a) to state officially that you are at war with another country
b) informal to say that something is wrong and that you will do everything you can to stop it:
Angry residents have declared war on the owners of the factory.
4 . MONEY/PROPERTY ETC [transitive]
a) to state on an official government form how much money you have earned, what property you own etc:
All tips are counted as part of your earnings and must be declared.
b) to tell a CUSTOMS official that you are carrying goods on which you should pay tax when you enter a country
5 . declare an interest to tell people that you are connected with something that is being discussed:
I should, at this point, declare an interest: I own shares in the company.
6 . CRICKET [intransitive] to choose to end your team’s turn before all your players have BATTED
declare against somebody/something phrasal verb
to state publicly that you oppose someone or something
declare for somebody/something phrasal verb
to state publicly that you support someone or something
• • •
THESAURUS
■ to say something
▪ say to tell someone something, using words:
‘I really ought to go,’ she said.
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Lauren said she’d probably be late.
▪ state to say something, especially in a definite or formal way – used in official contexts:
The witness stated that he had never seen the woman before.
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Please state your name and address.
▪ announce to publicly tell people about something:
The chairman announced his resignation.
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The results will be announced tomorrow.
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We will announce the winners next Sunday.
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They were announcing the train times over the loudspeaker system.
▪ declare to say something very firmly:
‘My personal life is none of your business,’ she declared.
▪ mention to talk about someone or something, especially without giving many details:
Did Tom mention anything about what happened at school?
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Your name was mentioned!
▪ express to let someone know your feelings by putting them into words:
Young children often find it difficult to express their emotions.
▪ comment to say what your opinion is about someone or something:
The prime minister was asked to comment on the crisis.
▪ note/remark formal to say that you have noticed that something is true – used especially in formal writing:
We have already noted that most old people live alone.
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Someone once remarked that the problem with computers is that they only give you answers.
▪ add to say something more, after what has already been said:
He added that he thought it could be done fairly cheaply.
▪ point out to mention something that seems particularly important or relevant:
Dr Graham points out that most children show some signs of abnormal behaviour.
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It’s worth pointing out that few people actually die of this disease.
▪ air to talk about your opinions, worries, or the things you disagree about: air your views/grievances/differences :
The programme will give listeners the chance to air their views about immigration.
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Workers were able to air their grievances.
▪ voice to talk publicly about your feelings or about whether you approve or disapprove of something formal : voice concern/support/doubt/fears etc :
The president has already voiced his support for the proposal.
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She voiced concern for the safety of the hostages.