Word of the Day
December 30, 2024
Intrepid
Fearless and adventurous; resolutely courageous in the face of danger or difficulty. From Latin intrepidus, meaning ‘not alarmed’ (in- ‘not’ + trepidus ‘alarmed’).
From Latin intrepidus, combining in- (not) with trepidus (alarmed, anxious). First used in English in the 17th century to describe those who remain calm and resolute when facing danger. The word gained prominence in describing military courage and exploratory ventures.
Usage Examples
- The intrepid Continental soldiers crossed the ice-choked Delaware River on Christmas night 1776.
- Washington's intrepid decision to attack rather than retreat saved the American Revolution.
- John Glover's intrepid Marblehead mariners navigated treacherous conditions to transport the army to victory.
From the Show
The concept of intrepid courage emerged during patriotic historian Ben Martin’s account of Washington’s famous Delaware crossing. Martin described Colonel John Glover’s Marblehead mariners as ‘intrepid folks’ who successfully transported Washington’s army across the ice-choked river during a Christmas night blizzard, when three other crossing attempts failed. Their fearless seamanship enabled the surprise attack on Trenton that turned the tide of the Revolutionary War. Hear the complete story in Christmas History and Washington’s Revolutionary Crossing.