Imperil Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：put in danger (imperil)

imperil 🔊

/ɪmˈpɛrɪl/

vt.

To put something or someone in a situation where they could be harmed or lost.

Imperil scene: worker cutting trees endangering forest habitat

put in danger 🔊

➕

/pʊt ɪn ˈdeɪndʒər/

vt.

To expose someone or something to danger, harm, or loss.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

im- (into) + peril (danger) => to put into danger.

💡 Mnemonic

Imperil sounds like 'in peril'. Imagine something 'in peril' is imperiled.

📖 Example

Rising sea levels due to climate change imperil many coastal cities around the world. 🔊 Rising sea levels due to climate change put many coastal cities around the world in danger.

🔗 Collocations

imperil lives – to endanger human lives

imperil the future – to threaten the future

imperil safety – to jeopardize safety

🔄 Synonyms

endanger (vt.) – To expose to danger.

jeopardize (vt.) – To put at risk.

threaten (vt.) – To express or indicate the likelihood of harm.

🚫 Antonyms

protect (vt.) – To keep safe from harm.

safeguard (vt.) – To protect from harm or damage.

secure (vt.) – To make safe.

🌱 Derivatives

imperilment (n.) – The state of being imperiled.

imperiled (adj.) – Placed in danger.

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'periculum' via Old French 'peril'. The verb 'imperil' emerged in the 16th century, meaning 'to put into peril'.