Definition

1. Verb (transitive):
   • To put something at risk of being lost, harmed, or damaged: To expose something valuable or important to potential danger or loss.
   • To pose a threat to something; to endanger: To create a situation where something is likely to be harmed or destroyed.

Usage and Examples

• To put something valuable at risk:
  • Revealing the secret would jeopardize our entire mission.
  • He didn't want to jeopardize his friendship by asking for money.
• To endanger or threaten something:
  • The construction project could jeopardize the habitat of several endangered species.
  • Her careless actions jeopardized the safety of everyone in the building.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Jeopardize" often implies a serious or significant risk, not a minor one. It is commonly used in formal or serious contexts like business, law, safety, and relationships.
• The object of the verb is typically something of value: a , , , , , , or .
  • The scandal jeopardized his political career.
  • Failing to meet the deadline could jeopardize the contract.

Variants and Related Words

• Jeopardy (noun): The state of being in danger or at risk.
  • The company's financial future is in jeopardy.
• Jeopardous (adjective, archaic/rare): Dangerous, perilous.
• Endanger (verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably, though "endanger" is more frequently used for physical safety or species.
  • Smoking endangers your health.

Synonyms

• Endanger
• Imperil
• Risk
• Threaten
• Hazard (verb)
• Compromise (in the sense of putting something in a vulnerable position)
  • The leaked data compromised national security.

Antonyms

• Protect
• Safeguard
• Secure
• Shield

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Jeopardize one's chances: To risk reducing the likelihood of success.
  • Arriving late could jeopardize your chances of getting the job.
• Jeopardize a deal/agreement: To put a formal arrangement at risk of failing.
• Jeopardize national security: A common phrase in political and news contexts.
• Jeopardize the outcome: To endanger the result of a process or event.

Verb

1. put at risk
   • I will stake my good reputation for this
2. pose a threat to; present a danger to
   • The pollution is endangering the crops