Hazard: meaning, definitions and examples
⚠️
hazard
[ˈhæzərd ]
Definitions
dangerous situation
A hazard is a potential source of danger or risk, which can lead to harm or injury. Hazards can be found in various environments, such as workplaces, homes, or outdoor spaces. It is important to identify and mitigate hazards to ensure safety.
Synonyms
jeopardy, peril, risk, threat.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hazard |
Use 'hazard' when describing something that poses a risk, especially in a workplace or environmental context.
|
| risk |
Use 'risk' when discussing the likelihood of something bad happening, often in contexts involving calculation or decision-making.
|
| peril |
Use 'peril' when describing serious and immediate danger, often in a literary or dramatic context.
|
| threat |
Use 'threat' when describing an intention to inflict harm, or a danger that could potentially happen, often with a negative connotation.
|
| jeopardy |
Use 'jeopardy' when the context involves being in danger or at risk of harm or loss. It is often used in legal or serious situations.
|
Examples of usage
- The icy road conditions posed a hazard to drivers.
- Working with heavy machinery without proper training is a hazard.
- Chemical spills can create hazards for the environment.
something that causes risk
In the context of safety regulations, a hazard is anything that has the potential to cause harm, such as chemicals, machinery, or unsafe practices. Identifying hazards is crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring a safe work environment.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hazard |
Used to refer to a potential source of harm or risk, often in specific fields like workplace safety or environmental health.
|
| danger |
A general term that refers to the presence of immediate or imminent risk or harm, suitable for a wide range of situations.
|
| menace |
Implying a threat or danger, often with a more sinister or malevolent tone, sometimes used in a negative or dramatic context.
|
| hazardous |
Describes something that is inherently risky or likely to cause harm, often used with substances, conditions, or environments.
|
Examples of usage
- Employees are trained to recognize hazards in the workplace.
- Proper labeling of hazardous materials helps to alert workers to potential hazards.
to risk
As a verb, 'hazard' means to risk or expose to danger. It implies taking a chance or facing potential harm in pursuit of a goal or action.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| hazard |
Use 'hazard' when referring to something dangerous or potentially harmful, especially in a physical or environmental context.
|
| risk |
Use 'risk' to talk about the possibility of experiencing harm, loss, or another negative outcome. It can be used in everyday or professional contexts, and it carries a neutral tone.
|
| venture |
Use 'venture' when discussing a new, exciting, and often risky project or business. It carries a sense of adventure and opportunity.
|
| gamble |
Use 'gamble' when referring to taking a risky action or making a risky decision, often involving money or other valuables.
|
Examples of usage
- She hazarded her reputation by speaking out against the company.
- He hazarded a guess at the answer to the riddle.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from the Arabic word 'al-zahr', which means 'the dice', reflecting games of chance and the risks involved.
- In Old French, the word 'hasard' had meanings related to chance and risk, further influencing its current use.
- Its usage expanded in the 14th century to refer to risks in various areas, including navigation and trade.
Safety
- In workplace safety, hazards are classified into categories like physical, chemical, biological, and ergonomic risks.
- Understanding hazards is crucial in fields like construction, where proper assessments help prevent accidents.
- Internationally, safety regulations often require identifying potential hazards to minimize risks in public spaces.
Pop Culture
- In movies and video games, characters often face various hazards, like traps or natural disasters, emphasizing suspense and danger.
- The 2019 song 'Bad Guy' by Billie Eilish uses the concept of danger to add intrigue to its narrative.
- A popular board game, 'Risk', challenges players to navigate strategic hazards while trying to conquer lands.
Psychology
- People often underestimate everyday hazards, leading to risky behavior and accidents due to overconfidence.
- Cognitive biases, such as the optimism bias, can cause individuals to perceive familiar hazards as less risky.
- Awareness of environmental hazards can influence mental health, affecting stress levels and decision-making.
Environment
- Natural hazards, such as hurricanes and earthquakes, are critical studies as they pose risks to communities and ecosystems.
- Climate change increases the frequency and severity of certain environmental hazards, impacting global safety guidelines.
- Urban planning incorporates hazard assessments to mitigate risks like flooding or landslides in developing areas.
Translations
Translations of the word "hazard" in other languages:
🇵🇹 perigo
🇮🇳 खतरा
🇩🇪 Gefahr
🇮🇩 bahaya
🇺🇦 небезпека
🇵🇱 zagrożenie
🇯🇵 危険 (kiken)
🇫🇷 danger
🇪🇸 peligro
🇹🇷 tehlike
🇰🇷 위험 (wiheom)
🇸🇦 خطر
🇨🇿 nebezpečí
🇸🇰 nebezpečenstvo
🇨🇳 危险 (wēixiǎn)
🇸🇮 nevarnost
🇮🇸 hætta
🇰🇿 қауіп
🇬🇪 საფრთხე
🇦🇿 təhlükə
🇲🇽 peligro