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

UC scholars said then they feared the crackdown would drive away top Chinese scholars and jeopardize the kind of open international collaboration that has been a hallmark of higher education in the U.S., contributing to world-class research and scientific progress.

From Los Angeles Times

Why do we jeopardize the mental health of our children to gain speculative, but unproven, advantages from active-shooter drills?

From Salon

Why do we jeopardize the mental health of our children to gain speculative, but unproven, advantages from active-shooter drills?

From Salon

“The current conditions, including ongoing attacks on civilian infrastructure continue to jeopardize people’s safety and movement in northern Gaza, making it impossible for families to safely bring their children for vaccination, and health workers to operate,” it said.

From BBC

The judge ruled that the federal Fish and Wildlife Service erred in its opinion that the plan “was not likely to jeopardize the survival and recovery of the desert tortoise” by not taking into account two studies that addressed the threat of off-road vehicles.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imperil
• threaten