verb / noun

dare

DAIR/der/

To face the risk of doing something.

The nervous singer dares to step forward for the audition.

An apprehensive amateur singer dares to step forward into an audition, visibly overcoming fear of judgment.

Etymology

dareOld Englishto be bold enough, have courage

Old English durran already meant having enough courage to do something. The selected sense preserves that focus on being bold enough to act, rather than merely feeling brave.

In context

StardustTV105:24

Didn't I beat you into submission last time? What kind of skill is hiding behind others? I'm asking you, do you dare to have a poetry duel if you don't dare?

【ENG DUB】A modern PhD woke up as an 8-year-old—and became a child prodigy.

More examples

I hardly dared to ask how much the repairs cost.
She dares her brother to sing in front of everyone.
He accepts a dare to jump into the icy lake.

Forms

dare · dares · dared · daring

daring adjective — Willing to take bold risks.

Similar words

venture: Emphasizes attempting something uncertain rather than overcoming fear.
risk: Emphasizes possible harm or loss rather than courage.
challenge: Can test skill or effort without requiring risky behavior.