Danger: meaning, definitions and examples

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danger

[ˈdeɪndʒər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in a risky situation

the possibility of something unpleasant or unwelcome happening; a situation involving potential harm or risk

Synonyms

hazard, peril, risk, threat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
danger	This is a general term used to describe any situation where harm or damage could occur. It often indicates immediate harm. There's a danger of falling rocks in that area. Do not enter! Danger of electric shock!
risk	This term is commonly used to describe the possibility of something bad happening. It has a broader usage including everyday activities where there's some level of uncertainty. He took a big risk by investing all his money in the startup. There is a risk of getting hurt if you climb that ladder.
hazard	This word often refers to something with potential to cause harm or adverse health effects, particularly in environments like workplaces, labs, or construction sites. It implies a known risk. Wet floors are a slipping hazard. Chemical spills are serious hazards in this factory.
peril	Used for serious and immediate dangers that often imply a life-threatening situation. It has a dramatic connotation. The explorers were in great peril as the storm approached. She faced the peril of the raging river with bravery.
threat	Refers to a person or situation that indicates a potential for doing harm. It often involves an intention to cause harm or suggests danger is looming. The threat of terrorism has increased security measures. Cyber attacks are a growing threat to personal information online.

Examples of usage

She was aware of the danger of becoming lost.
He didn't realize the danger he was in.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

serious and immediate threat

a person or thing that is likely to cause harm or injury; a threat or menace

Synonyms

menace, peril, risk, threat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
danger	General term for any situation that has the potential to cause harm or injury. The bridge is in danger of collapsing He was in serious danger during the fire
menace	Often implies an ongoing or specific threat; can have a negative connotation. The new strain of flu is a menace to public health He was seen as a menace to society
risk	Refers to the possibility of suffering harm or loss, often used in financial or decision-making contexts. Investing in stocks always carries some risk There is a risk of getting lost in unfamiliar areas
peril	Describes an immediate and serious danger, often used in literary or dramatic contexts. The explorers were in great peril from the storm His reckless driving put everyone in peril
threat	Usually implies an intention to cause harm or a possible source of danger. The company faces a serious threat from hackers Climate change is a significant threat to our planet

Examples of usage

The wild animal was a danger to the hikers.
The exposed wires posed a danger to the workers.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to put at risk or in harm's way

expose (someone or something) to potential harm or injury

Synonyms

endanger, jeopardize, risk, threaten.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
danger	Used to describe a situation that poses potential harm or adverse consequences. There is a lot of danger involved in skydiving. The warning signs indicated the danger of falling rocks.
risk	Used to describe exposure to a situation that could potentially result in loss or harm. It can also be used as a verb. Risks can be calculated or intentional. Investing in the stock market involves a certain amount of risk. She decided to risk her job to speak out against the unfair policies.
endanger	Used when something or someone is put in a situation where they could be harmed or damaged. Logging in the rainforest can endanger many species. His reckless driving could endanger the lives of others.
threaten	Used when there is a promise of harm or adverse action. Often implies intention and negativity. The dark clouds threaten a storm. He threatened to call the police if they did not leave.
jeopardize	Used when something is put at risk of loss, injury, or harm, often in a more serious or formal context. Usually has a negative connotation. Revealing the secret plans could jeopardize the mission. His actions could jeopardize his career.

Examples of usage

He dangered his own life to save the drowning child.
The reckless driver dangered the lives of others on the road.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'danger' comes from the Latin word 'domina', which means 'to be able' or 'to have power over'.
In Old French, it was 'dangier', meaning 'power' or 'control', which evolved into the sense of risk or threat.
The shift from power to risk reflects how situations can go from being under control to poses a threat.

Psychology

Humans often react to danger with the 'fight or flight' response, which is an automatic reaction to perceived threats.
The perception of danger can trigger the release of adrenaline, preparing the body for quick reactions.
Research shows that repeated exposure to danger can either desensitize individuals or heighten their sensitivity, depending on the context.

Literature

Many classic stories, such as 'The Odyssey', revolve around the concept of danger, portraying heroes facing risks in their journey.
In Shakespeare's works, danger often serves as a catalyst for character development and plot progression.
Contemporary literature frequently explores psychological danger, where characters face internal struggles rather than physical threats.

Pop Culture

Movies like 'Jurassic Park' and 'Jaws' highlight the thrill and tension of danger, captivating audiences through suspenseful storytelling.
Video games often incorporate elements of danger to boost engagement, with players facing challenges or enemies.
Songs and music videos, such as Rihanna's 'Only Girl (In the World)', sometimes use danger metaphorically in love and relationships.

Science

In ecology, 'danger' can describe environmental threats, like changes in climate that endanger species and ecosystems.
The 'Danger Theory' in immunology suggests that the immune system responds more to signals of danger than to pathogens themselves.
Studies on natural disasters assess how communities react to danger and adapt to minimize risks in the future.

Translations

Translations of the word "danger" in other languages:

🇵🇹 perigo

🇮🇳 खतरा

🇩🇪 Gefahr

🇮🇩 bahaya

🇺🇦 небезпека

🇵🇱 niebezpieczeństwo

🇯🇵 危険 (kiken)

🇫🇷 danger

🇪🇸 peligro

🇹🇷 tehlike

🇰🇷 위험 (wiheom)

🇸🇦 خطر (khatar)

🇨🇿 nebezpečí

🇸🇰 nebezpečenstvo

🇨🇳 危险 (wēixiǎn)

🇸🇮 nevarnost

🇮🇸 hætta

🇰🇿 қауіп

🇬🇪 საფრთხე

🇦🇿 təhlükə

🇲🇽 peligro

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,528, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1525 samples
1526 desired
1527 equally
1528 danger
1529 delivered
1530 quarter
1531 occasion
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