Danger: meaning, definitions and examples

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danger

 

[ ˈdeɪndʒər ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
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

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

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

Examples of usage

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

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

Etymology

The word 'danger' originated in Middle English from Old French 'danger' and 'dangier', which in turn came from Vulgar Latin 'dominiarium' meaning 'power of a lord'. Over time, the meaning shifted to signify harm or risk. The concept of danger has always been a part of human existence, as individuals and societies have had to navigate various threats and perils. Today, the word 'danger' continues to remind us of the potential hazards in our environment and the need to exercise caution.

See also: dangerous, dangerously, endanger.

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.