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Definition of jeopardy

jeopardy

/ˈdʒɛp.ɚ.di/
jeop · ar · dy
Adverb:jeopardously
•
Plural:jeopardies
•
Adjective:jeopardous
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jeopardy Lexical Profile

jeopardy Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Exposure to or imminence of death, loss, or injury; danger or peril.

Example

"The sudden drop in funding placed the entire research project in serious jeopardy."

2

The danger of conviction and punishment that a defendant faces in a criminal trial.

Example

"The constitutional protection against double jeopardy prevents a person from being tried twice for the same offense."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for jeopardy

• Nearby Words

jenny
jeongbang
jeopardize
jeopardy
jequitinhonha
jerboa
jerk

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed from Old French 'jeu parti' (literally 'a divided game' or an evenly matched contest in chess or debate), from Latin 'jocus partitus'. The sense shifted from an uncertain outcome in a game to exposure to danger or loss.

Cite this Entry

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