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
We’re used to seeing the intrepid team of naval special agents on CBS’ crime procedural “NCIS” working together to solve the toughest cases and bring down the worst villains.
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 24, 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
They were intrepid sailors and had already put down roots in Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the northern reaches of Scotland.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 20, 2026
“This is probably what Balto felt like!” cried Reginald, referring to the intrepid husky sled dog who had made the famous lifesaving medicine run from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.
From "Dog Squad" by Chris Grabenstein
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.
