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Definition of imperil

imperil

/ɪmˈpɛr.əl/
im · per · il
Adjective:imperiled
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Past Simple:imperiled
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Past Participle:imperiled
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Present Participle:imperiling
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imperil Lexical Profile

imperil Game Scores & Validity

• verb

1

To put at risk of being harmed, injured, or destroyed.

Example

"Prolonged droughts and rising temperatures continue to imperil fragile coastal ecosystems."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for imperil
Antonyms
View all antonyms for imperil

• Rhymes for imperil

• Nearby Words

imperialist
imperialistic
imperially
imperil
imperilment
imperious
imperishability

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in the 16th century as an alteration of Middle English 'emperil', borrowed from Anglo-Norman 'emperiller', ultimately from Latin 'in-' (into) and 'periculum' (trial, risk, or danger).

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Imperil. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/imperil
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