Foolhardy

Pronunciation

Origin

From Middle English folhardy, folehardi, folherdi, from Old French fol hardi ("foolishly bold"), equivalent to fool + hardy. Compare fool-bold, fool-large, etc.

Full definition of foolhardy

Adjective

1. Marked by unthinking recklessness with disregard for danger; bold but rash; hotheaded
• 1876, Mark Twain, The Adventures of Tom Sawyer Chapter 6, The master’s pulse stood still, and he stared helplessly. The buzz of study ceased. The pupils wondered if this foolhardy boy had lost his mind.
• 2000. Bill Bryson, In a Sunburned Country, p. 14:In the middle distance several foolhardy souls in wet suits were surfing toward some foamy outbursts on the rocky headland...

Synonyms

• bold
• foolish
• rash
• daring
• reckless

Derived terms

• foolhardiness