imperil

[ im-per-uhl ]

verb (used with object)

, im·per·iled, im·per·il·ing or (especially British) im·per·illed, im·per·il·ling.

1. to put in peril or danger; endanger.

   Synonyms: chance, hazard, jeopardize, risk

imperil

/ ɪmˈpɛrɪl /

verb

1. tr to place in danger or jeopardy; endanger

Derived Forms

• imˈperilment, noun

Other Words From

• im·peril·ment noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of imperil¹

First recorded in 1590–1600; im- ¹ + peril

Example Sentences

Black Americans, as a people, deeply understand and carry this history and lived experience and the knowledge and burden of democracy as contingent and imperiled in our collective bodies, psyches, and memories.

From Salon

The civil and human rights of racial and ethnic minorities will be imperiled, as the gains of the civil rights movements will be further undermined and rolled back.

From Salon

Up to a point: there will be grave concerns in European capitals and beyond that this result could leave Ukraine imperilled.

From BBC

The Biden and Newsom administrations will soon adopt new rules for California’s major water delivery systems that will determine how much water may be pumped from rivers while providing protections for imperiled fish species.

From Los Angeles Times

“Refusing to endorse for president at a moment when democracy is imperiled is a betrayal of what our editorial pages do: tell the truth, say what we believe and why,” Abcarian said.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• compromise
• endanger
• jeopardize
• menace