perilous

[ per-uh-luhs ]

adjective

1. involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous:

   a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.

   Synonyms: risky

   Antonyms: safe

perilous

/ ˈpɛrɪləs /

adjective

1. very hazardous or dangerous

   a perilous journey

Derived Forms

• ˈperilousness, noun
• ˈperilously, adverb

Other Words From

• per·il·ous·ly adverb
• per·il·ous·ness noun
• non·per·il·ous adjective
• un·per·il·ous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilous¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French perillous, from Latin perīculōsus; peril, -ous

Example Sentences

“Mumbai is a perilous city — even its geography is in a state of flux,” Kapadia. says.

From Los Angeles Times

But there was nothing particularly perilous about age 27, the authors found — in fact, the riskiest years came before musicians turned 25.

From Los Angeles Times

She has faced the deep wound that is her perilous love with Rio by accepting Death, regardless of what may have been her motivations for it.

From Salon

For even an experienced biographer, Johnny Carson remains the Everest of celebrity subjects — tempting and perilous.

From Los Angeles Times

A spokesperson said: "Those making perilous journeys across the Channel are desperate people, fleeing persecution and war, in countries such as Afghanistan and Sudan, simply seeking safety and a future free from fear."

From BBC

Related Words

• delicate
• dicey
• hazardous
• precarious
• risky
• rugged
• shaky
• threatening
• ticklish
• touchy
• treacherous
• uncertain
• unstable