The former is from the Latin word dirus, from which dire is descended, and the latter comes from furere, from where we get fury. The word dire is often found in conjunction with straits; in dire …

By offering services free of charge to people in dire need, the organization contributes to the widespread circulation of religious messages.

Dire definition: causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible.. See examples of DIRE used in a sentence.

If you describe something as dire, you are emphasizing that it is of very low quality.

Dire refers to situations or events that cause great fear and worry. A dire calamity causes much suffering.

1. causing or involving great fear or suffering; terrible. 2. indicating trouble, disaster, or the like: dire predictions. 3. urgent; desperate: in dire need.

Dire Straits were a British rock band formed in London in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals, lead guitar), David Knopfler (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), John Illsley (bass guitar, backing …

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025 dire (dīə r), adj., dir•er, dir•est. causing or involving great fear or suffering; dreadful; terrible: a dire …

Oct 24, 2025 · Borrowed from Latin dīrus (“fearful, ominous”). dire (comparative direr ormore dire, superlative direst ormost dire) Warning of bad consequences: ill-boding; portentous. Requiring …

There are five meanings listed in OED's entry for the word dire, two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.