dare

To feel brave enough to do something frightening or difficult.

• I don't dare to ask.
• She dared to speak against the plan.
• Would you dare to swim across that river?

How to use it: dare to do something (She dared to ask for more money.); not dare do something (I didn't dare look down.)

Similar words: have the courage, venture

Common phrases: dare to ask, dare to dream, dare to speak

To challenge someone to do something difficult, embarrassing, or dangerous to show they are brave.

• I dare you to jump.
• Her friends dared her to sing in public.
• Who dared him to climb that wall?

How to use it: dare someone to do something (They dared me to knock on his door.)

Similar words: challenge

Common phrases: dare someone, dare someone to, double dare someone

Used with 'how' to show anger or shock at someone's behaviour.

• How dare you laugh at me!
• How dare he speak to her like that!
• How dare they accuse us of stealing!

How to use it: how dare someone do something (How dare you read my private letters!)

Common phrases: how dare you, how dare someone

In negative statements, to feel too afraid to do something.

• I dare not ask him.
• She daren't tell her parents about the accident.
• We dared not move while the dog was watching.

How to use it: dare not do something (We dare not leave the door open.); daren't do something (I daren't tell her the truth.)

Common phrases: dare not ask, dare not speak, dare not move

A challenge to do something difficult or frightening to show that you are brave.

• He accepted the dare.
• She climbed the wall on a dare.
• Would you refuse a dangerous dare?

How to use it: a dare to do something (He accepted a dare to swim across the lake.); do something on a dare (She ate the chilli on a dare.)

Similar words: challenge

Common phrases: accept a dare, on a dare, a dangerous dare

The choice in a game to do a task other players set, rather than answer a question honestly.

• I chose dare.
• Is it your turn to pick truth or dare?
• She picked dare and had to dance.

Common phrases: truth or dare, choose dare, pick dare