endanger
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
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.
“Who should I be angry with first?” said Pollack, who has co-written a book: “Why Meadow Died: The People and Policies That Created Parkland's Shooter and Endanger America's Students.”
From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 13, 2019
Subtle New Pollutants Endanger Health IT was only 106 years ago that experimenting British authorities closed down the common water pump in a busy London square and saw the bustling city's cholera rate drop dramatically.
From Time Magazine Archive
Those whom men call mad Endanger others; but he's more than mad That wounds himself, whose own words do proclaim Scandals unjust, to soil his better name: It is not fit; I pray, forsake it.
From A Yorkshire Tragedy by Shakespeare (spurious and doubtful works)
Then leave me, I conjure thee, nor again Endanger my repose.
From Percy A Tragedy by More, Hannah
Endanger, en-dān′jėr, v.t. to place in danger: to expose to loss or injury.—ns.
From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 2 of 4: E-M) by Various
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.
