endanger
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Conjugated Forms
Present
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has endangeredperfect 3rd person singular
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have endangeredperfect
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are endangeringprogressive
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is endangeringprogressive 3rd person singular
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has been endangeringperfect progressive 3rd person singular
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am endangeringprogressive 1st person singular
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have been endangeringperfect progressive
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endangerssingular 3rd person
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endangeringparticiple
Past
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had endangeredperfect
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was endangeringprogressive singular
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had been endangeringperfect progressive
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were endangeringprogressive plural
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endangeredsimple
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endangeredparticiple
Future
Etymology
Origin of endanger
late Middle English word dating back to 1400–50; see origin at en- 1, danger
Explanation
To endanger someone is to put them in a dangerous position, or to threaten their safety. It would endanger your little brother if you encouraged him to jump off the garage roof into a pile of leaves. Texting while you drive is a good way to endanger yourself, as well as your passengers and anyone else nearby. Scientists warn that climate change will slowly begin to endanger many plant and animal species on Earth, possibly including humans. This 15th century word combines the prefix en-, "make or put in" with danger, from the Old French dangier, "power to harm."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Conventional logic would suggest that Iran should avoid actions that could endanger diplomacy.
From BBC • Jun. 8, 2026
The safety concern is that, during an outage, this auxiliary electricity source could endanger electricians or utility workers.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026
Shortly afterward, lawmakers amended the country's glacier protection law to relax restrictions on mining in areas of permafrost, despite fears the new law could endanger crucial water supplies.
From Barron's • May 23, 2026
Doctors also told Phillips that continuing the pregnancy would seriously endanger her own health.
From Slate • May 4, 2026
“We can make the argument that he’ll endanger us,” I say.
From "Mockingjay" by Suzanne Collins
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
