endanger
Americanverb (used with object)
verb
Other Word Forms
- endangerment noun
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.
Hobbs’ administration is taking these steps “to avoid staggering fines of hundreds of millions of dollars that would further endanger food assistance for vulnerable Arizonans,” Soto said in a statement.
From Salon • Apr. 9, 2026
“When someone sets fires that endanger lives and destroy a community’s sense of safety, my office will pursue the most serious charges available and seek justice for the victims,” Los Angeles County Dist.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026
Criminalizing this work without consequence doesn’t just endanger those journalists; it threatens everyday Americans who rely on local and national reporting in nearly all aspects of their lives.
From Slate • Mar. 26, 2026
The escalating rhetoric set off alarm bells across the Middle East, with oil-exporting Gulf countries saying that Iranian reprisals could further endanger the world economy.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 23, 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.
