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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
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[with object] formally announce the beginning of (a state or condition): Spain declared war on Britain in 1796
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[with object and complement] pronounce or assert (a person or thing) to be something specified: the mansion was declared a fire hazard
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[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
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(declare oneself) reveal one’s intentions or identity: a number of interested parties who can’t declare themselves openly
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[no object] announce oneself as a candidate for an election: he declared last April
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(declare oneself) archaic express feelings of love to someone: she waited in vain for him to declare himself
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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
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3 [no object] Cricket close an innings voluntarily before all the wickets have fallen: Pakistan declared at 446 for four
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4 [with object] announce that one holds (certain combinations of cards) in a card game.
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name (the trump suit) in a card game.
