Endangered
/ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd/
Definitions
Threatened with extinction; facing the risk of becoming extinct or vanishing from the earth.
/ɪnˈdeɪndʒərd/
At risk of becoming extinct
The Siberian tiger is an endangered species due to habitat destruction and poaching.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really cool animal, like a tiger. 'Endangered' means there aren't many of them left, and they might disappear forever if we don't help them.
👶 For kids: When an animal is endangered, it means there are not very many of them left in the world, and we need to help them stay safe!
More Examples
Many coral reefs are endangered by pollution and climate change.
The organization works to protect endangered animals from extinction.
How It's Used
"The giant panda is an endangered species."
"Habitat loss is a major factor in the endangerment of many animals."
From Middle English *endangren* (to bring into danger), from Old French *en-dangerer* (to put in danger), from *en-* (in) + *danger* (danger).
The term 'endangered' began to be widely used in environmental contexts in the late 20th century, coinciding with increased awareness of species extinction.
Memory tip
Think of a species in a dangerous situation, on the verge of disappearing.
Word Origin
"to put in danger"