Jeopardization

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The act of placing something in a situation where it may be harmed or lost
2. The process of exposing someone or something to potential harm or danger
3. An instance of creating a risk that could lead to damage, loss, or failure

Etymology: "Jeopardization" is simply "jeopardize" with the noun-forming suffix "-ation" added on. "Jeopardize" is itself a verb built on "jeopardy," which entered English from Old French "jeopardie," meaning a game or risk, ultimately from Latin "iocus partitus," or "divided game," a phrase reflecting a gamble where the outcome was split between chances. Over time the sense narrowed to danger of loss or harm. The suffix "-ation" comes from Latin "-atio" and turns a verb into a noun for the action or process, so "jeopardization" names the act of putting something at risk. Speakers have long been content with the shorter "jeopardy" and "jeopardize," so the longer form is used mostly in formal or legal writing where a process needs naming.

Synonyms: risk, danger, peril, hazard, threat

Antonyms: safety, security, protection, assurance, certainty