Entry 2 senses Webster, 1913 Dire /(dīr)/ · IPA /ˈdaɪ̯ə(ɹ)/ 01 a. Ill-boding; portentous; as, dire omens. 1. Ill-boding; portentous; as, dire omens. 2. Evil in great degree; dreadful; dismal; horrible; terrible; lamentable. “Dire was the tossing, deep the groans.” — Milton. “Gorgons and hydras and chimeras dire.” — Milton.