jeopardize

[ jep-er-dahyz ]

verb (used with object)

, jeop·ard·ized, jeop·ard·iz·ing.

1. to put in jeopardy; hazard; risk; imperil:

   He jeopardized his life every time he dived from the tower.

jeopardize

/ ˈdʒɛpəˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to risk; hazard

   he jeopardized his job by being persistently unpunctual

2. to put in danger; imperil

Other Words From

• re·jeopard·ize verb (used with object) rejeopardized rejeopardizing
• un·jeopard·ized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeopardize¹

First recorded in 1640–50; jeopard(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

Air traffic controllers and pilots together take great care not to fly in conditions that can jeopardize an airplane.

From The Daily Beast

The principle is clear: the design must have multiple redundancies so that no single failure can jeopardize the airplane.

From The Daily Beast

So many of the big media players are afraid to jeopardize access, or personal relationships.

From The Daily Beast

You couldn't write an honest assessment for what percentage of your daughter's life you were willing to jeopardize.

From The Daily Beast

Republicans have also raised concerns that the release of the report could jeopardize security at U.S. facilities overseas.

From The Daily Beast

It is necessary that I shall be considered a patriot of patriots, nothing must jeopardize such a character at the present time.

From Project Gutenberg

It would be impolitic to jeopardize his whole ambition by any deviation from the letter of the Erfurt agreement.

From Project Gutenberg

This was so, but only in so far as his actions would not jeopardize the peace of his own nation.

From Project Gutenberg

After all, if Diogenes chose to jeopardize his head, what was it to them?

From Project Gutenberg

An investigation would be decidedly humiliating to her, and also jeopardize her position at Hamilton.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• imperil
• threaten