Verb (dictionary form) + だに

[Even just (doing X) / The mere thought of]

Connection: Verb (dictionary form) + だに / Noun + だに

Usage: An archaic/literary particle meaning "even just" or "the mere act of." Most commonly used with verbs like 想像する (imagine), 考える (think), 思う (think). Conveys that even the mere thought is enough to provoke a strong emotion.

Examples:

想像するだに恐ろしい。(It's terrifying even just to imagine.)

考えるだに身の毛がよだつ。(Even just thinking about it makes my hair stand on end.)

あの光景は思い出すだに胸が痛む。(Even just recalling that scene makes my heart ache.)