Jeopardise: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide

Meaning 1：endanger (jeopardise)

jeopardise 🔊

/ˈdʒepədaɪz/

vt.

To make something good more likely to be damaged or lost.

Jeopardise meaning illustrated by people on tightrope showing risk

endanger 🔊

➕

/ɪnˈdeɪndʒər/

vt.

To put something of value into a situation where it may be damaged, lost, or ruined.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'jeu parti' meaning 'divided game', a risky situation in chess or court.

💡 Mnemonic

Think 'jeopardy' game show: a wrong answer puts prize money at risk. That action is to jeopardise.

📖 Example

Staying up all night to study might actually jeopardise your performance in the exam tomorrow. 🔊 Staying up all night to study might actually jeopardise your performance in the exam tomorrow.

🔗 Collocations

jeopardise one's health – put one's health at risk

jeopardise a deal – risk the success of a business agreement

jeopardise public safety – create danger for the general public

🔄 Synonyms

endanger (vt.) – To expose to danger or harm.

risk (vt.) – To expose to a chance of loss or failure.

threaten (vt.) – To indicate the possibility of harm or damage.

🚫 Antonyms

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

safeguard (vt.) – To protect against possible loss or damage.

secure (vt.) – To make safe or certain.

🌱 Derivatives

jeopardy (n.) – Danger of loss, harm, or failure.

jeopardizing (adj.) – Putting something in danger.

jeopardized (adj.) – Placed in a risky situation.

📖 Cultural Story

In medieval times, 'jeopardy' referred to a legal dilemma where the outcome was uncertain. It later generalized to any risk of loss or harm.