Imperils

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Places someone or something in a situation of danger or risk
2. Exposes an individual or object to potential harm or threat
3. Creates conditions where safety or well-being might be compromised

Etymology: "Imperils" is the third-person singular form of the verb "imperil," which means to put something in danger. The verb is built from the prefix "im-" and the noun "peril," so the base word carries the core idea of risk. "Peril" came into English from Old French "peril," itself from Latin "periculum," meaning trial, experiment or danger. The prefix "im-" comes from Latin "in," meaning "in" or "into," so "imperil" literally puts someone or something into peril. The "im-" form appears before the letter "p," following the same pattern seen in words like "impose" and "imprison."

Synonyms: endangers, jeopardizes, threatens, threatens, threatens

Antonyms: protects, safeguards, shields, preserves, defends