perilous

[per-uh-luhs]

adjective

1. involving or full of grave risk or peril; hazardous; dangerous.

   a perilous voyage across the Atlantic in a small boat.

   Synonyms: risky
   Antonyms: safe

perilous

/ ˈpɛrɪləs /

adjective

1. very hazardous or dangerous

   a perilous journey

Other Word Forms

• perilously adverb
• perilousness noun
• nonperilous adjective
• unperilous adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of perilous¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French perillous, from Latin perīculōsus; peril, -ous

Example Sentences

The incident was one of the most perilous events in the refinery’s 114-year history, adding to a long list of environmental and safety violations, according to public records reviewed by The Times.

From Los Angeles Times

A reprise of that now could be perilous.

From BBC

His children now do the same but the floor has been carpeted, so is less perilous.

From BBC

In the interview, which took place before the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, she argued that today’s political climate is more perilous.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the steady increase in French resources to prevent perilous crossings - with substantial financial support from the UK - there are no signs the attempts are slowing down.

From BBC

Related Words

• delicate 
• dicey 
• hazardous 
• precarious 
• risky 
• rugged 
• shaky 
• threatening 
• ticklish 
• touchy 
• treacherous 
• uncertain 
• unstable