Words / B2

in-DAYNJ-uh/ɪnˈdeɪndʒə/

To endanger is to put someone or something at risk of harm: endanger lives; endangered species (adjective). Risk is a close verb; threaten can be close. Phone use can endanger paper integrity. Danger is the noun (already in the dictionary). Do not mix with engender (produce a feeling), already in the dictionary.

Meaning

To put a person, animal, or plan in a situation where harm is likely.

Examples

• “Phone use in the hall can endanger the integrity of the paper.”
• “The development could endanger nesting birds, which is the wildlife sense.”

Good to know

endanger lives / a species; an endangered species. Noun: danger. Close: risk / threaten. Trap: engender. Conservation, H&S, exam regulations.

Near in meaning

threaten

New