Peril
/ˈpɛrəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsSerious and immediate danger or the possibility of being harmed or killed.
/ˈpɛrəl/
Serious and immediate danger.
The sailors braved the perils of the storm.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're walking a tightrope over a pool of alligators! That's peril - a big, scary risk that could hurt you. Like when a hiker gets lost in the mountains.
👶 For kids: Peril is when something could hurt you or be dangerous.
More Examples
She understood the perils of climbing without proper equipment.
They warned of the economic perils ahead.
How It's Used
"The explorers faced the peril of starvation and exposure."
"The company was warned of the perils associated with the new regulations."
"The hero knowingly entered the forest and all its lurking perils."
To expose to danger; imperil (used in a formal or archaic way).
/ˈpɛrəl/
To put at risk; endanger.
His reckless actions periled the mission.
💡 Simply: To peril something means to put it in danger, like a careless driver periling other people on the road.
👶 For kids: Peril as a verb means to put something in danger.
More Examples
The economic downturn periled many businesses.
The outdated technology periled the company’s future.
How It's Used
"He imperiled his life to save the child."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
at one's peril
If someone does something at their own peril, they do it at their own risk and must accept the consequences.
"You enter that restricted area at your own peril."
From Old French *peril*, derived from Latin *periculum* ('trial, attempt, risk, danger'). It entered English in the 13th century.
Used extensively in medieval and early modern literature to describe dangerous adventures and trials.
Memory tip
Think of a 'peri' (like in perimeter) around you that's full of 'l's (for loss) – it's peril!
Word Origin
"trial, risk"