dare
UK[deə(r)]US[der]
v
To be brave enough to do something difficult or dangerous.
v
To try to persuade someone to do something dangerous or difficult as a way of proving their bravery.
modal
To have enough courage or confidence to do something; used especially in questions or negative sentences.
Etymology
The verb 'dare' originates from the Old English 'durran', meaning "to venture, presume, or have courage." This Old English term is derived from the Proto-Germanic 'ders-', which carries the sense of being bold or daring. This root can be traced further back to the Proto-Indo-European 'dhers-', meaning "to be bold, courageous, or daring," a root that also gave rise to words in other languages, such as the Greek 'thrasys' (bold). Over centuries, the word's form simplified from 'durran' to 'dar' and finally to 'dare', while its core semantic concept of confronting danger or challenge with boldness has remained remarkably consistent, bridging its ancient origins to its modern usage as both a main verb and a modal auxiliary.
Analysis
The word 'dare' is a simplex word of Old English origin. It functions as a lexical verb and a modal verb in modern English.
Examples
He didn't dare to look his father in the eye.
I dare you to jump off the diving board.
How dare you speak to me like that?