I. ˈder verb
( dared ; dar·ing ; dares or (auxiliary) dare )
Etymology: Middle English dar (1st & 3d singular present indicative), from Old English dear; akin to Old High German gi tar (1st & 3d singular present indicative) dare, Greek tharsos courage
Date: before 12th century
verbal auxiliary
: to be sufficiently courageous to
no one dared say a word
she dare not let herself love — G. B. Shaw
intransitive verb
: to have sufficient courage
try it if you dare
transitive verb
1.
a. : to challenge to perform an action especially as a proof of courage
dared him to jump
b. : to confront boldly : defy
dared the anger of his family
2. : to have the courage to contend against, venture, or try
the actress dared a new interpretation of this classic role
• dar·er ˈder-ər noun
II. noun
Date: 1594
1. : an act or instance of daring : challenge
foolishly took a dare
2. : imaginative or vivacious boldness : daring