intrepid
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- intrepidity noun
- intrepidly adverb
- intrepidness noun
Etymology
Origin of intrepid
First recorded in 1690–1700; from Latin intrepidus, equivalent to in- in- 3 + trepidus “anxious”; 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 intrepid fundraiser said he planned to pick up where he left off on Saturday.
From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026
"Most people have this image of an intrepid explorer braving an isolated mountain or some other remote place, and stumbling across a creature that no one has ever seen before," Chan said.
From Science Daily • Mar. 9, 2026
Michael Fernandez’s artful and intrepid cinematography was the best I saw all fest.
From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 30, 2026
There were plenty of intrepid female war reporters, but on Flanner’s sole trip to a battlefield, she dressed in pink pants; red, fur-lined cowboy boots; and matching mittens.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 19, 2026
“No, I don’t think you do. I was going to say very Jude Sweetwine. Remember that intrepid girl?”
From "I'll Give You the Sun" by Jandy Nelson
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.
