Words / C1

JEP-uh-dyz/ˈdʒepədaɪz/

To jeopardise (US jeopardize) is to put something at risk: jeopardise safety, jeopardise a reputation. Endanger and put at risk are everyday; threaten can be a person or a thing. Jeopardy (this batch) is the noun. Do not jeopardise an embargo for a slogan.

Meaning

To put something at risk of being harmed or lost.

Examples

• “A leaked draft would jeopardise the embargo and the cohort.”
• “A leaked draft would jeopardise the embargo and the night cohort together.”
• “Endanger is everyday. Threaten a person is different from jeopardise a process. Jeopardy is the noun (in jeopardy). British spelling keeps the -ise.”

Good to know

Put in danger. Everyday: endanger / put at risk. Noun: jeopardy. British: jeopardise. Not a reason to break an embargo.

Near in meaning

endanger

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