dare

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Pronunciation[change]

Verb[change]

Plain form
dare

Third-person singular
dares

Past tense
dared

Past participle
dared

Present participle
daring

  1. If you dare to do something, you have the courage to do it, even if you are afraid.
    The President dared to make an unpopular decision.
  2. If you dare someone to do something, you challenge them to do something that is a risk, or even dangerous.
    I dare you to climb that tree.

Verb[change]

Simple present
dare

Simple past
dared

Negative
daren't

Note: The modal form is usually in negative or as a question.
  1. (modal) If you daren't do something, you are afraid to do it.
    I daren't tell my parents what happened. They'll be very cross.
    Dare he risk crossing the woods at night?
  2. (modal) If you ask "How dare he?", you are saying that the person has done something wrong.
    How dare you come in here without knocking?

Noun[change]

Singular
dare

Plural
dares

  1. A dare is a challenge to somebody.
    He never says "No" to a dare.