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Definition of perilous

perilous

/ˈpɛr.əl.əs/
per · il · ous
Adverb:perilously
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perilous Lexical Profile

perilous Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Full of danger or risk; exposed to imminent harm or ruin.

Example

"The mountaineers embarked on a perilous journey across the icy ridge as the winter storm approached."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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• Rhymes for perilous

• Nearby Words

pericallis
peridot
peril
perilous
perilously
perimenopausal
perimenopause

Word Origin & Etymology

Borrowed in Middle English from Old French perilleus, from Latin periculosus ('dangerous, hazardous'), itself derived from periculum ('trial, risk, danger').

Cite this Entry

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