dare

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA ^(key): /deə(r)/, SAMPA: /de@(r)/

• Audio (US)

  (file)

Verb

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

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

Singular dare

Plural dares

1. A dare is a challenge to somebody.

   He never says "No" to a dare.