Danger

'deɪndʒər

nounBeginner🔥Very CommonRisk
2 meanings4 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A situation or thing that could cause harm or injury.

'deɪndʒər

nounnegativeBeginner
Risk

The possibility of suffering harm or injury.

There is a high danger of a storm tonight.

💡 Simply: Danger is like a red light that tells you something could hurt you. It’s when there's a chance something bad could happen. Imagine crossing a busy street without looking – that's danger!

👶 For kids: Danger means something could hurt you or make you feel bad.

More Examples

2

She bravely faced the dangers of the wilderness.

3

The police warned of the dangers of the upcoming protest.

How It's Used

General

"The hikers were warned of the danger of avalanches."

Safety

"He was driving at excessive speeds and putting others in danger."

Medical

"The patient was in serious danger of cardiac arrest."

2

A person or thing that is likely to cause harm or damage.

'deɪndʒər

nounnegativeIntermediate
Threat

A person or thing likely to cause harm; a threat.

He considered the new tax laws a danger to the economy.

💡 Simply: Sometimes, a person or an idea can be the danger! Like someone spreading gossip or a bad idea causing problems. It's anything that could hurt or cause problems for someone.

👶 For kids: Sometimes, a person or thing can be a danger, like a mean bully.

More Examples

2

She believed the new social media trend was a danger to young children.

3

The dictator was considered a danger to the world.

How It's Used

Figurative

"He saw her as a danger to his reputation."

Political

"The radical policies presented a danger to social stability."

Tip:Think of a 'dangerous' person or influence.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

in danger

Exposed to harm or risk of injury.

"The stranded sailors were in grave danger."

out of danger

No longer at risk or in peril.

"The patient is now out of danger."

danger zone

An area or situation where there is a high risk of harm or danger.

"The accident occurred in the danger zone."

at your own risk

The person doing something takes responsibility for the harm.

"The sign read: 'Enter the cave at your own risk.'"

From Old French *danger*, derived from Vulgar Latin *dominiarium* 'power, dominion', reflecting the power of a feudal lord to inflict harm.

The word "danger" has been used since the late 13th century, evolving from a sense of power and dominion to a more general sense of hazard.

Memory tip

Imagine a red alert siren – danger signals something to be avoided.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"power, dominion"

in dangerout of dangerpotential dangerserious dangerimminent dangerdanger zonedanger of

Common misspellings

dagerdangrdangre

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written