jeopardize

American  

[jep-er-dahyz] / ˈdʒɛp ərˌdaɪz /

especially British, jeopardise

verb (used with object)

jeopardized, jeopardizing

1. to put in jeopardy; hazard; risk; imperil.

   He jeopardized his life every time he dived from the tower.

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jeopardize British  

/ ˈdʒɛpəˌdaɪz /

verb

1. to risk; hazard

   he jeopardized his job by being persistently unpunctual

2. to put in danger; imperil

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Other Word Forms

• rejeopardize verb (used with object)
• unjeopardized adjective

Etymology

Origin of jeopardize

First recorded in 1640–50; jeopard(y) + -ize

Example Sentences

It also jeopardizes global crop yields—gas is a vital fertilizer feedstock—and could cripple semiconductor production by slashing helium supply, a natural gas byproduct.

From The Wall Street Journal

In a 70-page petition filed with the Fourth Appellate District Monday, Bonta wrote that “the Sheriff’s misguided investigation threatens to sow distrust and jeopardize public confidence” in upcoming elections.

From Los Angeles Times

“In doing so, it jeopardized the safety and well-being of its students and violated the community’s trust.”

From Los Angeles Times

“His actions alone have jeopardized the commutes of over 100,000 New Yorkers and the jobs of thousands of union workers, but New York will not back down,” she said.

From The Wall Street Journal

The coalition also argues that the new data collection demands jeopardize student privacy.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• imperil
• threaten