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.
Phrases and idioms:
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).
Derivatives:
darer n.
Etymology: OE durran with Gmc cognates: cf. Skr. dhrsh, Gk tharseo be bold