Imperil

To imperil means to put someone or something at risk of being harmed, damaged, or destroyed. It implies a significant threat, a potential for serious negative consequences. The action often involves exposing someone or something to danger, uncertainty, or loss. The severity of the peril can vary, ranging from minor inconveniences to life-threatening situations. The word underscores the vulnerability of the object or person to the adverse effects of the threatening agent. Furthermore, imperil highlights the precariousness of a situation, where safety, security, or well-being hangs in the balance.

Imperil meaning with examples

• The reckless driver's actions imperiled the lives of the pedestrians crossing the street, showcasing a blatant disregard for safety. The unexpected icy conditions imperiled the travelers, forcing them to navigate the roads slowly. This led to long delays and heightened stress during their journeys, impacting schedules. The authorities then issued warnings about increased dangers.
• Careless handling of the chemicals imperiled the environment. The leaked substances polluted the river, endangering aquatic life. The contamination also threatened the nearby communities. The company faced significant consequences, as they received multiple fines for the mishap.
• The nation’s economic instability imperiled the stability of its government and the population’s financial security. The rising inflation rates meant an increase in basic costs, which caused unrest and led to calls for urgent economic reform. Many citizens worried about unemployment rates, which added stress.
• The spread of misinformation imperiled the public’s trust in scientific and medical authorities. People started believing in bogus advice, instead of credible sources. The health of several people suffered, while authorities tried to reduce the amount of disinformation.
• The outdated software imperiled the security of the company's sensitive data, which had been stored without proper protection. Hackers could have stolen valuable information, creating financial loss and causing damage to the company’s image and customer's privacy.