Definition

1. Verb:
   • To put something or someone in a situation of serious risk, danger, or jeopardy; to endanger.

Usage

The verb "imperil" is used to describe the action of exposing something valuable or important to potential harm, loss, or destruction. It is a formal word often used in contexts discussing safety, security, or the well-being of people, systems, or environments.

Examples

• The economic crisis could imperil the stability of the entire region.
• The leaked confidential documents imperiled the safety of the undercover agents.
• Rising sea levels imperil coastal cities around the world.
• His reckless driving imperiled the lives of everyone in the car.

Advanced Usage

• "to imperil oneself": To knowingly put oneself in danger.
  • By confronting the intruder alone, she imperiled herself unnecessarily.

Variants and Related Words

• Imperilment (noun): The state of being imperiled; exposure to danger.
  • The imperilment of the ancient forest sparked a major conservation effort.
• Imperiled (adjective): In a state of being endangered.
  • The imperiled species is now under federal protection.

Synonyms

• Endanger: To expose to danger or harm.
• Jeopardize: To put something or someone into a situation where there is a risk of loss or harm.
• Threaten: To be a source of danger to; to menace.
• Risk: To expose to the chance of injury or loss.

Antonyms

• Protect: To keep safe from harm or injury.
• Safeguard: To protect from harm or damage.
• Secure: To make safe; to guard.

Related Phrases

• "to imperil the chances of": To put the likelihood of success at risk.
  • A scandal now would imperil the candidate's chances of winning the election.
• "to imperil a mission/plan": To put a specific objective or strategy in danger.
  • The sudden storm imperiled the rescue mission.

Verb

1. pose a threat to; present a danger to
   • The pollution is endangering the crops