These words apply to persons and actions that show a heedless defiance of danger and a seeming lack of regard for consequences. Reckless and rash are applied to persons acting, or actions undertaken, without regard for the risks involved in terms of the end sought. Reckless implies wild, irresponsible action or emotion, indicating at worst a dangerous lack of self-discipline or self-control, and implying at the least a devil-may-care attitude or a frightening absence of forethought. The word indicates extreme carelessness or unconcern in respect of oneself or others. What distinguishes a reckless act from a brave one is not always the action itself but rather the attitude motivating it and the circumstances behind it. A police car or fire engine may, with siren sounding, drive at great speed through the streets and through red traffic lights without being reckless . A motorist doing the same thing would be guilty of careless and reckless driving. Rash is not quite so extreme as reckless . It points to overhasty action taken in the heat or emotion of the moment, without due caution or regard for consequnces.

• Quitting his job in anger was a rash action which he later regretted; Don’t do anything rash .

A rash or reckless accusation is one that disregards the possible consequnces to both the accused and the accuser, who himself might be used for libel.

Foolhardy is more informal than rash or reckless. It implies boldness exercised without consideration or judgement, pointing to action that is daringly reckless or downright foolish. A foolhardy person rushes into peril from lack of forethought. Swimming out beyond one’s depth when tired, or after eating, is a foolhardy action. Daredevil differs from the other words in indicating the deliberate taking of chance, with a certain implication of calculated risk. It points to some sort of public exhibition, often describing a professional who performs sensational feats to entertain thrill-seekers: a daredevil racing driver; a daredevil stunt pilot. Daredevil further suggests a certain amount of flair and debonair defiance: a death-defying trapeze artist performing daredevil feats.