intrepid
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of intrepid
First recorded in 1690–1700; from Latin intrepidus, equivalent to in- in- 3 + trepidus “anxious”; see trepidation
Explanation
Intrepid is just a fancy word for describing a person or action that is bold and brave. Super heroes are intrepid in their struggle for truth and justice. Some synonyms are fearless, courageous, dauntless, or valiant, but the word intrepid suggests a lack of fear in dealing with something new or unknown. This adjective comes from Latin intrepidus, formed from the prefix in-, "not" and trepidus, "alarmed."
Vocabulary lists containing intrepid
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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.
The Strait of Hormuz isn’t open, but thanks to intrepid shipowners—some working in collaboration with the U.S. military—it isn’t quite closed either.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 30, 2026
It says something about Diamond’s heat in the wake of “Hot August Night” that he scored a Top 40 hit with a song from a movie about an intrepid seabird.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
And no one exemplifies this intrepid style better than Metcalf.
From Los Angeles Times • May 6, 2026
The BBC show challenges pairs of travellers to tackle an intrepid expedition with no phone and limited cash.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
One might have expected such an intrepid child to be ecstatic, but the speed and altitude frightened him.
From "Unbroken" by Laura Hillenbrand
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.
