risk

American  

[risk] / rɪsk /

noun

1. exposure to the chance of injury or loss; a hazard or dangerous chance.

   It's not worth the risk.

   Synonyms:

   jeopardy, peril, venture

2. Insurance.

   1. the hazard or chance of loss.

   2. the degree of probability of such loss.

   3. the amount that the insurance company may lose.

   4. a person or thing with reference to the hazard involved in insuring him, her, or it.

   5. the type of loss, as life, fire, marine disaster, or earthquake, against which an insurance policy is drawn.

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verb (used with object)

1. to expose to the chance of injury or loss; hazard.

   to risk one's life.

   Synonyms:

   jeopardize, endanger, imperil

2. to venture upon; take or run the chance of.

   to risk a fall in climbing;

   to risk a war.

   Synonyms:

   chance

idioms

1. take / run a risk, to expose oneself to the chance of injury or loss; put oneself in danger; hazard; venture.

2. at risk,

   1. in a dangerous situation or status; in jeopardy.

      families at risk in the area of the weakened dam.

   2. under financial or legal obligation; held responsible.

      Are individual investors at risk for the debt part of the real estate venture?

risk British  

/ rɪsk /

noun

1. the possibility of incurring misfortune or loss; hazard

2. insurance

   1. chance of a loss or other event on which a claim may be filed

   2. the type of such an event, such as fire or theft

   3. the amount of the claim should such an event occur

   4. a person or thing considered with respect to the characteristics that may cause an insured event to occur

3. 1. vulnerable; likely to be lost or damaged

   2. social welfare vulnerable to personal damage, to the extent that a welfare agency might take protective responsibility

4. informal an expression of assent

5. to proceed in an action without regard to the possibility of danger involved in it

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verb

1. to expose to danger or loss; hazard

2. to act in spite of the possibility of (injury or loss)

   to risk a fall in climbing

risk More Idioms  

More idioms and phrases containing risk

• at risk
• calculated risk
• run a risk

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Other Word Forms

• risker noun
• riskless adjective
• unrisked adjective

Etymology

Origin of risk

First recorded in 1655–65; from French risque, from Italian rischio, risco, of obscure origin

Explanation

A risk is an action that holds a chance of danger or failure. Although it's fun jump around on glaciers, the risk of falling down a crack into a freezing lake might deter you from ice climbing. Risk comes from the French for danger. As nouns, risk and danger are close synonyms. The verb risk means to run a danger, in hopes of reward. So risk is similar to gamble. If you're very ill, you might risk a dangerous surgery. We also use risk for money or security. You can risk your good health by working with infected patients without sterile equipment. Or you can risk your life savings on the stock market.

Example Sentences

Another problem may be brewing in the depths of the Strait of Hormuz: internet connectivity may be at risk.

From Barron's • Apr. 12, 2026

“The main risk is that consumers, who have been supporting the economy despite all other shocks over the past year, will finally be strangled,” said University of Michigan economist Daniil Manaenkov.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 12, 2026

A U.S.-led blockade would introduce a second layer of control over the waterway, increasing the risk of direct confrontation.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2026

As an undersized but scrappy guard, underestimate Harmon at your own risk.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 12, 2026

Mutti did not want to risk setting out again on our travels until she was quite sure Karli was strong enough.

From "An Elephant in the Garden" by Michael Morpurgo

Related Words

• danger
• exposure
• hazard
• liability
• opportunity
• peril
• possibility
• prospect
• uncertainty