jeopardize
/'dʤepədaiz/ Cách viết khác : (jeopardize) /'dʤepədaiz/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (transitive):
- To put something at risk of being lost, harmed, or damaged: To expose something valuable or important to potential danger or loss.
- To pose a threat to something; to endanger: To create a situation where something is likely to be harmed or destroyed.
Usage and Examples
- To put something valuable at risk:
- Revealing the secret would jeopardize our entire mission.
- He didn't want to jeopardize his friendship by asking for money.
- To endanger or threaten something:
- The construction project could jeopardize the habitat of several endangered species.
- Her careless actions jeopardized the safety of everyone in the building.
Advanced Usage and Nuances
- "Jeopardize" often implies a serious or significant risk, not a minor one. It is commonly used in formal or serious contexts like business, law, safety, and relationships.
- The object of the verb is typically something of value: a , , , , , , or .
- The scandal jeopardized his political career.
- Failing to meet the deadline could jeopardize the contract.
Variants and Related Words
- Jeopardy (noun): The state of being in danger or at risk.
- The company's financial future is in jeopardy.
- Jeopardous (adjective, archaic/rare): Dangerous, perilous.
- Endanger (verb): A very close synonym, often used interchangeably, though "endanger" is more frequently used for physical safety or species.
- Smoking endangers your health.
Synonyms
- Endanger
- Imperil
- Risk
- Threaten
- Hazard (verb)
- Compromise (in the sense of putting something in a vulnerable position)
- The leaked data compromised national security.
Antonyms
- Protect
- Safeguard
- Secure
- Shield
Common Collocations and Phrases
- Jeopardize one's chances: To risk reducing the likelihood of success.
- Arriving late could jeopardize your chances of getting the job.
- Jeopardize a deal/agreement: To put a formal arrangement at risk of failing.
- Jeopardize national security: A common phrase in political and news contexts.
- Jeopardize the outcome: To endanger the result of a process or event.
Verb
- put at risk
- I will stake my good reputation for this
- pose a threat to; present a danger to
- The pollution is endangering the crops