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Definition of peril

peril

/ˈpɛr.əl/
per · il
Adverb:perilously
•
Plural:perils
•
Adjective:perilous
•
Past Simple:periled
•
Past Participle:periled
•
Present Participle:periling
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peril Lexical Profile

peril Game Scores & Validity

• noun

1

Exposure to imminent, serious, or immediate danger, harm, or loss.

Example

"The coastal village was in grave peril as the hurricane approached the mainland."

2

Something that causes or may cause serious danger, loss, or destruction.

Example

"Early maritime explorers braved the unknown perils of the open ocean."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• verb

1

To expose to danger or risk; to imperil (now rare or literary).

Example

"Reckless financial speculation periled the stability of the entire institution."

Synonyms
View all synonyms for peril
Antonyms
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• Rhymes for peril

• Nearby Words

perhaps
pericallis
peridot
peril
perilous
perilously
perimenopausal

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in the 13th century from Old French peril, from Latin periculum ('trial, experiment, risk, danger'), which is built on the Proto-Indo-European root *per- ('to try, risk').

Cite this Entry

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