imminent Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite close in time; about to occur
    close at hand; impendent; impending; at hand.
    • retribution is at hand
    • some people believe the day of judgment is close at hand
    • in imminent danger
    • his impending retirement

WordNet

Im"mi*nent adjective
Etymology
L. imminens, p. pr. of imminere to project; pref. im- in + minere (in comp.) to jut, project. See Eminent.
Definitions
  1. Threatening to occur immediately; near at hand; impending; -- said especially of misfortune or peril. "In danger imminent." Spenser.
  2. Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous.
    Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach. Shak.
  3. (With upon) Bent upon; attentive to. R.
    Their eyes ever imminent upon worldly matters. Milton.
    Syn. -- Impending; threatening; near; at hand. -- Imminent, Impending, Threatening. Imminent is the strongest: it denotes that something is ready to fall or happen on the instant; as, in imminent danger of one's life. Impending denotes that something hangs suspended over us, and may so remain indefinitely; as, the impending evils of war. Threatening supposes some danger in prospect, but more remote; as, threatening indications for the future.
    Three times to-day You have defended me from imminent death. Shak.
    No story I unfold of public woes, Nor bear advices of impending foes. Pope.
    Fierce faces threatening war. Milton.

Webster 1913