adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of dangerous
First recorded in 1175–1225; Middle English da(u)ngerous “domineering, fraught with danger,” from Old French dangereus “threatening, difficult,” equivalent to dangier ( see danger) + -eus -ous
Explanation
Use the word dangerous to describe anything that can potentially cause serious harm, like a snarling pit bull or an icy, treacherous road. The earliest meaning of the word dangerous was "difficult or arrogant." When Geoffrey Chaucer wrote "The Canterbury Tales" in the 1300s, he used dangerous to mean "hard to please." Gradually the meaning changed, so that by the late fifteenth century, dangerous meant "liable to cause hurt" or "risky." Just as popular were two other danger-related words that we don't use anymore today: dangersome and dangerful, which at the time could be used interchangeably with dangerous.
Vocabulary lists containing dangerous
Words Every Pirate Should Know
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
"Volcano!"
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
"Brothers in Hope"
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
There are encouraging signs that vaccines designed against other virus species could offer at least some protection, but Bundibugyo remains an example of a dangerous pathogen for which dedicated medical tools are limited.
From Science Daily ● Sep. 20, 2026
The changing nature of the supply also creates challenges for lawmakers who are in a race to identify and ban dangerous new substances before they can spread legally and cause havoc.
From BBC ● Sep. 19, 2026
There is a certain self-interest that comes from the guy selling picks and shovels to the gold rush saying the gold isn’t dangerous.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 19, 2026
He also expressed concern that smaller AI models, which would have been exempt from the law, could also be dangerous.
From Los Angeles Times ● Sep. 18, 2026
The way she calls my name makes my butterflies take up their flags, stand in a line like an army poised for battle — like what I’m about to walk into might be dangerous.
From "Red Flags and Butterflies" by Sheryl Azzam
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.
