Words / C1

im-PER-uh-l/ɪmˈperəl/

To imperil is to put someone or something in danger (formal): imperil a sitting, imperil lives. Endanger is the close twin; jeopardise is a cousin. A wreath is comms, not a fire-door log.

Meaning

To put someone or something in danger (formal).

Examples

• “An unlocked fire door will imperil the sitting; a wreath is not a log.”
• “Endanger is the close twin. Jeopardise is a cousin. A wreath is branding. A door check is a certificate. Log the lock; then lay the wreath if you still wish.”

Good to know

Put in danger (formal). Close: endanger. A wreath ≠ a fire-door log.

Near in meaning

endanger, jeopardise, risk

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