Imperiling

The act of putting someone or something at risk of harm, injury, danger, or destruction; jeopardizing. This involves exposing something to potential negative consequences, such as loss, failure, or physical harm. It encompasses a wide range of situations, from individual actions that threaten personal safety to broader societal issues that endanger communities or environments. The term suggests a level of seriousness and potential severity in the consequences.

Imperiling meaning with examples

• The reckless driver's speeding was actively imperiling the lives of pedestrians and other drivers on the busy highway. Her actions, disregarding traffic laws, created a hazardous situation placing many in danger. Emergency services were on high alert to the potential crash with grave repercussions, putting many at risk.
• The company's decision to cut corners on safety protocols was imperiling its workers and putting them at high risk in an attempt to increase profits. The neglect of necessary precautions caused safety to fall at the worksite, creating a dangerous environment for the employees. OSHA investigated after many injuries.
• Climate change, with rising sea levels and extreme weather events, is imperiling coastal communities and ecosystems. The destruction of natural habitats and resources is leading to devastation. The effects of human behavior are actively putting whole groups in jeopardy.
• The government's austerity measures, including cuts to social programs, were widely seen as imperiling the health and well-being of vulnerable populations. Such drastic decisions left at risk a large portion of society. These groups experienced difficulties like food scarcity and housing insecurity.