Jeopardy
ˈdʒepərdi
Definitions
The state of being exposed to danger or harm.
ˈdʒepərdi
The danger of loss or harm; risk.
The hikers were in jeopardy from the avalanche.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're playing a game and if you make a mistake, you could lose something valuable, like points or even a prize. That feeling of risk is what 'jeopardy' is all about.
👶 For kids: Being in danger or at risk.
More Examples
The company's future was put in jeopardy by the scandal.
His career was in jeopardy after the public outcry.
How It's Used
"The judge warned the jury about the jeopardy of their decision."
"The hikers were in serious jeopardy after the storm."
Idioms & expressions
double jeopardy
A legal principle preventing someone from being tried twice for the same crime.
"The defense attorney argued the defendant's rights were violated by double jeopardy."
From Middle English *jeupardie*, from Old French *jeu parti* ('divided game, peril'), a compound of *jeu* ('game') and *parti* ('part, share').
The term 'jeopardy' has been used in English since the 14th century, often in legal and general contexts to describe risk and danger.
Memory tip
Think of a game show where the contestants are always at risk of losing – that's jeopardy!