jeopardize

[ jep-er-dahyz ]
See synonyms for jeopardize on Thesaurus.com
verb (used with object),jeop·ard·ized, jeop·ard·iz·ing.
  1. to put in jeopardy; hazard; risk; imperil: He jeopardized his life every time he dived from the tower.

Origin of jeopardize

1
First recorded in 1640–50; jeopard(y) + -ize
  • Also especially British, jeop·ard·ise .

Other words from jeopardize

  • re·jeop·ard·ize, verb (used with object), re·jeop·ard·ized, re·jeop·ard·iz·ing.
  • un·jeop·ard·ized, adjective

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use jeopardize in a sentence

  • Nature everywhere postpones, obstructs, jeopardizes the political conquest of arid lands.

    Influences of Geographic Environment | Ellen Churchill Semple
  • Some one rushes out with a bludgeon in his hand, and jeopardizes his life, but he lays out the mad dog.

    The Palm Tree Blessing | W. E. Shepard
  • Remember, too, that my search in no wise jeopardizes your interests.

    A Woman Named Smith | Marie Conway Oemler

British Dictionary definitions for jeopardize

jeopardize

jeopardise

/ (ˈdʒɛpəˌdaɪz) /


verb(tr)
  1. to risk; hazard: he jeopardized his job by being persistently unpunctual

  2. to put in danger; imperil

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012