jeopardize 🔊
Meaning of jeopardize
To put something or someone at risk of harm, loss, or failure.
Key Difference
While 'jeopardize' implies a serious risk to something valuable, its synonyms may vary in intensity or context, such as 'endanger' (direct physical threat) or 'imperil' (formal/literary usage).
Example of jeopardize
- The new policy could jeopardize the peace talks between the two nations.
- Sharing confidential information online may jeopardize your personal security.
Synonyms
endanger 🔊
Meaning of endanger
To expose to harm or danger.
Key Difference
'Endanger' often refers to immediate physical threats, while 'jeopardize' can apply to broader risks like reputations or plans.
Example of endanger
- Poaching continues to endanger the survival of rhinos in Africa.
- Reckless driving endangers everyone on the road.
imperil 🔊
Meaning of imperil
To put at risk of being harmed or destroyed.
Key Difference
'Imperil' is more formal/literary and often used in serious contexts like environmental or national security threats.
Example of imperil
- Rising sea levels imperil coastal cities around the world.
- The spy's actions imperiled the entire mission.
threaten 🔊
Meaning of threaten
To pose a risk of harm or adverse effects.
Key Difference
'Threaten' can imply intent (e.g., a person threatening someone), whereas 'jeopardize' is usually unintentional.
Example of threaten
- Deforestation threatens biodiversity in the Amazon rainforest.
- The economic crisis threatens small businesses across the country.
undermine 🔊
Meaning of undermine
To weaken or subvert gradually.
Key Difference
'Undermine' suggests a slow erosion of stability, while 'jeopardize' can involve sudden risks.
Example of undermine
- Constant criticism can undermine a child's self-confidence.
- Corruption undermines trust in government institutions.
compromise 🔊
Meaning of compromise
To expose to danger by weakening protection.
Key Difference
'Compromise' often implies a breach in security or standards, while 'jeopardize' is more general.
Example of compromise
- Using weak passwords can compromise your online accounts.
- The leaked documents compromised diplomatic relations.
risk 🔊
Meaning of risk
To expose to the chance of loss or damage.
Key Difference
'Risk' can be neutral (calculated risks), whereas 'jeopardize' usually has negative consequences.
Example of risk
- Investors risk losing money in volatile markets.
- She risked her job by speaking out against unfair policies.
hazard 🔊
Meaning of hazard
To venture something with potential danger.
Key Difference
'Hazard' is less common as a verb and often used in physical/occupational contexts.
Example of hazard
- Firefighters hazard their lives to save others.
- He hazarded a guess despite not knowing the answer.
menace 🔊
Meaning of menace
To pose a threatening quality or influence.
Key Difference
'Menace' implies an ominous, ongoing threat, while 'jeopardize' is more situational.
Example of menace
- Invasive species menace native wildlife in many ecosystems.
- The gang's activities menaced the neighborhood for years.
expose 🔊
Meaning of expose
To leave unprotected against harm.
Key Difference
'Expose' focuses on removing safeguards, while 'jeopardize' emphasizes the resulting risk.
Example of expose
- Poor insulation exposes homes to extreme weather damage.
- The scandal exposed the company to legal action.
Conclusion
- 'Jeopardize' is a versatile term for situations where actions or events create significant risks, often unintentionally.
- 'Endanger' is best when referring to immediate physical harm, like wildlife or human safety.
- 'Imperil' suits formal contexts, especially environmental or large-scale threats.
- 'Threaten' works when the risk involves intentionality or natural phenomena.
- 'Undermine' is ideal for gradual weakening, such as trust or authority.
- 'Compromise' fits security-related contexts where protections fail.
- 'Risk' is neutral and useful for calculated decisions.
- 'Hazard' is rare but appropriate for occupational or physical dangers.
- 'Menace' conveys a persistent, ominous threat.
- 'Expose' emphasizes the removal of protection rather than the outcome.