1 [reporting verb] say something in a solemn and emphatic manner: [with clause]:the prime minister declared that the programme of austerity had paid off [with direct speech]:‘I was under too much pressure,’ he declared
[with object] formally announce the beginning of (a state or condition):Spain declared war on Britain in 1796
[with object and complement] pronounce or assert (a person or thing) to be something specified:the mansion was declared a fire hazard
[no object] (declare for/against) British openly align oneself for or against (a party or position) in a dispute:the president had declared for denuclearization of Europe
(declare oneself) reveal one’s intentions or identity:a number of interested parties who can’t declare themselves openly
[no object] announce oneself as a candidate for an election:he declared last April
(declare oneself) archaic express feelings of love to someone:she waited in vain for him to declare himself
2 [with object] acknowledge possession of (taxable income or dutiable goods):if you have something to declare customs officers will tell you the duty payable
3 [no object] Cricket close an innings voluntarily before all the wickets have fallen:Pakistan declared at 446 for four
4 [with object] announce that one holds (certain combinations of cards) in a card game.
name (the trump suit) in a card game.
well, I declare
(or I do declare)
an exclamation of incredulity, surprise, or vexation:‘Well, I do declare! It’s Annabelle!’
