Imperil: meaning, definitions and examples

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imperil

 

[ ɪmˈperəl ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in danger

To put at risk of being harmed, injured, or destroyed. To jeopardize.

Synonyms

endanger, jeopardize, risk, threaten.

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Word Description / Examples
imperil

Describes putting something or someone in severe danger, often used in formal or literary contexts.

  • The decision to cut down the forest could imperil the local wildlife.
  • Their actions imperil the fragile peace that has been established.
endanger

Implies putting someone or something at risk of harm or danger, commonly used in everyday situations.

  • Texting while driving can endanger lives.
  • Polluting the river endangers the aquatic ecosystem.
jeopardize

Refers to putting something valuable or important at risk, often used in professional, legal, or serious contexts.

  • A scandal could jeopardize his career.
  • Failing to meet regulations might jeopardize the project.
threaten

Used when discussing situations where harm or negative consequences are intentionally aimed at someone or something, with a potentially aggressive or negative connotation.

  • The company's poor performance threatens its survival.
  • The storm threatens to destroy the crops.
risk

Suggests taking a chance or exposing oneself to possible harm or loss, widely used in casual, business, and varied contexts.

  • They decided to risk investing in the new startup.
  • You risk getting sunburned without sunscreen.

Examples of usage

  • The heavy rain imperils the safety of the hikers.
  • The economic crisis imperils the stability of the country.
  • His reckless behavior imperils the success of the project.

Translations

Translations of the word "imperil" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colocar em perigo

🇮🇳 खतरे में डालना

🇩🇪 gefährden

🇮🇩 membahayakan

🇺🇦 наражати на небезпеку

🇵🇱 narażać na niebezpieczeństwo

🇯🇵 危険にさらす

🇫🇷 mettre en danger

🇪🇸 poner en peligro

🇹🇷 tehlikeye atmak

🇰🇷 위험에 빠뜨리다

🇸🇦 تعريض للخطر

🇨🇿 ohrozit

🇸🇰 ohroziť

🇨🇳 危及

🇸🇮 ogroziti

🇮🇸 setja í hættu

🇰🇿 қауіпке тігу

🇬🇪 საფრთხეში ჩაგდება

🇦🇿 təhlükəyə atmaq

🇲🇽 poner en peligro

Etymology

The word 'imperil' originated from the Latin word 'imperilare', which means 'to place in danger'. It first appeared in the English language in the 16th century. The concept of imperiling something reflects the inherent risks and dangers present in various situations, highlighting the importance of vigilance and caution to prevent harm or damage.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,291, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.