daredevil
Americannoun
-
daredevils
plural
adjective
noun
adjective
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Inflected Forms
Nouns
Etymology
Origin of daredevil
Explanation
Do you love the thrill of a terrifying rollercoaster or the risky challenge of doing dangerous tricks on your skateboard? Then you're a daredevil, someone who is recklessly adventurous. A daredevil loves adventure and excitement and tends not to think much about the safety or wisdom of their actions. The man who walked on a wire between the towers of the World Trade Center was a daredevil, and the woman who was the first to ride a barrel over Niagara Falls was also a daredevil. This word is also used as another name for a stunt performer who attempts risky tricks in front of a live audience.
Vocabulary lists containing daredevil
Words to Describe a Hero or Heroine
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Uh-Oh: Synonyms for "Dangerous"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Put on a Bold Face: Synonyms for "Brave"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
See Examples For:
A daredevil social media free-climber nicknamed the "Spider-Man of Yemen" has died after falling into a volcanic crater in the country's south-west.
From BBC ● Jun. 15, 2026
Hundreds of spectators gathered at the base of the 101-storey tower to watch Alex Honnold, 40, embark on his daredevil feat, which was also broadcast live on Netflix.
From Barron's ● Jan. 25, 2026
In chaotic situations, he says, the brain of the average daredevil doesn’t produce much cortisol, a chemical involved in the fight or flight response.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 23, 2026
Not everyone goes to the theater to be wowed by verbal pyrotechnics or daredevil plot high jinks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 30, 2025
We pretend we re a pair of daredevil explorers who’ve discovered a giant prehistoric monster in some distant jungle and we've brought it back for the world to see.
From "The Kite Runner" by Khaled Hosseini
Monday's Republic Day parade featured Russian helicopters and planes, alongside dancers and motorcycle daredevils.
From Barron's ● Jan. 28, 2026
The magician Ricky Jay’s compendium of actual “unique, eccentric and amazing entertainers” offers a parade of con artists, charlatans, escapologists, daredevils, mesmerists, contortionists and sideshow acts.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 16, 2025
It was a white-knuckle, high-wire business fit only for daredevils.
From BBC ● Aug. 8, 2025
At day’s end, legions gather to watch the sunset as daredevils leap from the Black Rock Beach boulders to the sea.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 7, 2024
He was the chosen knight, the adored hero, of Southern womanhood; and when his feather appeared at the head of his daredevils there was feminine rejoicing and eager welcome.
From Women of America Woman: In all ages and in all countries Vol. 10 (of 10) by John Rouse Larus
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
