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

Panini America alleged in a 2023 lawsuit that Fanatics used its “monopoly power” to jeopardize its trading card business.

From Los Angeles Times

Simmering criticism of her tactics exploded during the immigration enforcement surge in Minneapolis, jeopardizing her relationship with the president and her grip on the department.

From The Wall Street Journal

The lawmakers called for a solution that ensures that "the Department of Defense will not jeopardize safety and disrupt the freedom to travel."

From Barron's

That can make it more difficult for customers to help the grid without jeopardizing their own operations.

From The Wall Street Journal

That could jeopardize a trading relationship worth some $300 billion a year, just slightly less than Japan transacts with the U.S.

From Barron's

Related Words

• imperil
• threaten