To declare means to announce something clearly and officially, often something important. When you declare something, you state it openly and firmly so everyone knows where you stand.

In 1776, American colonists declared their independence from Britain, formally announcing to the world that they were forming their own nation. When a judge declares a verdict in court, she's making an official announcement that carries legal weight. If you declare your intention to run for student council president, you're publicly committing to it and making your plans known to everyone.

The word suggests confidence and clarity. Someone might declare, “I'm never eating Brussels sprouts again!” to make their feelings unmistakably clear. A referee declares a winner. A government declares war. Teachers often ask students to declare their answers rather than mumbling uncertainly.

You can also declare items at customs when traveling internationally, meaning you officially report what you're bringing into the country. A declaration is the noun form: the Declaration of Independence is the document that declared America's break from British rule.

When you declare something, you're taking a clear stand and making sure everyone knows it.