Adventurous, Venturesome, Daring, Daredevil, Rash, Reckless and Foolhardy denote in common courting danger or exposing oneself to danger in a greater degree than is required for courage.
One who is adventurous is inclined to adventure; the word may or may not imply indiscretion or imprudence in incurring risk or hazard.
- a mind active, ambitious, and adventurous . . . always aspiring
—Johnson - adventurous boys . . . climbed, shouting and laughing, over the rafters
— Anderson
Venturesome frequently implies an excessive tendency to take chances.
- in 1919 Alcock and Brown undertook the first and highly venturesome crossing of the Atlantic by air
—Manchester Guardian
Daring heightens the implication of fearlessness.
a daring pilot in extremity, pleased with the danger, when the waves went high
—Dryden
Daredevil implies ostentation in daring and is often specifically applied to stunts performed for hire as a public spectacle or to their performers.
- a daredevil acrobat
Rash implies imprudent hastiness or boldness in word or action; reckless, utter heedlessness or carelessness of consequences.
- we must detain him . . . . If we do not I am convinced Austin will do something rash that he will for ever repent
—Meredith - a reckless disregard of the future
- reckless audacity came to be considered courage
—Derek Patmore
Foolhardy implies a foolish daring or recklessness and may be used of persons or of their acts.
- the perfectly foolhardy feat of swimming the flood
—Sinclair Lewis