Endanger

ɪnˈdeɪndʒər

verbmediumCommonBusiness

Definitions

1

To expose to danger or harm; imperil.

ɪnˈdeɪndʒər

verbnegativemedium
Business

To put someone or something at risk of harm or loss.

Careless driving can endanger the lives of pedestrians.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're crossing a busy street without looking. You're putting yourself in danger, or endangering yourself. It's like when you forget to wear a helmet while riding your bike; you are endangering your safety.

👶 For kids: To put someone or something in a place where something bad could happen.

More Examples

2

The company's financial troubles endangered its employees' jobs.

3

He endangered his own life to save the child from the burning building.

How It's Used

Environmental

"The loss of habitat endangers many species of wildlife."

Legal

"Actions that endanger human health can result in serious fines."

Idioms & expressions

endangered species

A species of animal or plant that is seriously at risk of extinction.

"Conservation efforts focus on protecting endangered species from habitat loss."

endanger the peace

To risk disrupting or undermining a state of peace.

"The inflammatory speech endangered the peace between the two nations."

From Middle English *endangren*, from Old French *endagier* (to place in danger), from *en-* (in) + *dage* (danger).

The word 'endanger' has been used since the 16th century and has maintained a consistent meaning throughout its history.

Memory tip

Think of placing a ranger in a place where there is danger. Endanger.

indangerendager

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written