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.
"I did not want to endanger anyone's life", Lavrynovych told the jury at the Old Bailey.
From BBC • May 11, 2026
Doctors also told Phillips that continuing the pregnancy would seriously endanger her own health.
From Slate • May 4, 2026
But “we will not accept foreign companies who create little added value and endanger Hungary’s land, air and water.”
From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026
Holding Kharg Island, Iran’s oil-export terminal, would endanger U.S. troops without necessarily forcing Iran’s hand in the Strait of Hormuz.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 2, 2026
BANE: A black cloud that may endanger us all.
From "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child" by J.K. Rowling
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.
