B2verb1K

Dare

UK /["/deə(r)/","/deəz/","/deəd/","/ˈdeərɪŋ/"]/US /["/der/","/derz/","/derd/","/ˈderɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to be brave enough to do something

In simple words: To challenge someone to do something risky or brave.

Examples

I dare you to jump into the lake even though it's cold.
She didn't dare to speak up against the unfair decision.
Do you dare to climb the mountain alone?
He dared not to tell the truth because he was afraid of the consequences.
They dared to challenge the established rules of the game.
The comedian dared the audience to laugh at his bold jokes.
In the game of ‘Truth or Dare,’ players take turns daring each other to perform tasks.
He accepted the dare to sing in front of the entire school.

Usage notes

Typically used in contexts involving challenges or risks. Can be formal when discussing ethical issues, but is often informal in social settings among friends.

Grammar pattern

dare + object + infinitive

Memory hint

Think of a bear daring you to do something bold.

Collocations

barely
hardly
scarcely
wouldn’t

Synonyms

challenge
tempt
discourage

Antonyms

shy away
back down
refuse

Common mistakes

Confusing 'dare' with 'dare to', which is less common in modern usage.
Using 'dare' incorrectly as a noun instead of a verb.
Omitting 'to' in phrases like 'I dare you to'.