dared

3 definitions • 11 examples

past simple and past participle of

to be brave enough to do something difficult or dangerous, or to be rude or silly enough to do something that you have no right to do:

I was going to ask if his dog was better, but I didn't dare in case she had died.

[ + (to) infinitive ] Everyone in the office complains that he smells awful, but nobody dares (to) mention it to him.

[ + infinitive without to ] I wouldn't dare have a party in my flat in case the neighbours complained.

Dare you tell him the news?

I don't dare think how much it's going to cost.

UK I daren't think how much it's going to cost.

UK Do you dare (to) tell him the news?

I'd never dare (to) talk to my mother the way Brandon talks to his.

[ + to infinitive ] He was under attack for daring to criticize the mayor.

to ask someone to do something that involves risk:

Wear the low-cut blouse with your pink shorts - go on, I dare you!

[ + to infinitive ] I dare you to ask him to dance.