peril Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune
    endangerment; jeopardy; risk; hazard.
    • drinking alcohol is a health hazard
  2. noun a state of danger involving risk
    riskiness.
  3. noun a venture undertaken without regard to possible loss or injury
    risk; danger.
    • he saw the rewards but not the risks of crime
    • there was a danger he would do the wrong thing
  4. verb pose a threat to; present a danger to
    jeopardise; jeopardize; imperil; endanger; threaten; menace.
    • The pollution is endangering the crops
  5. verb put in a dangerous, disadvantageous, or difficult position
    endanger; scupper; expose; queer.

WordNet

Per"il noun
Etymology
F. péril, fr. L. periculum, periclum, akin to peritus experienced, skilled, and E. fare. See Fare, and cf. Experience.
Definitions
  1. Danger; risk; hazard; jeopardy; exposure of person or property to injury, loss, or destruction.
    In perils of waters, in perils of robbers. 2 Cor. xi. 26.
    Adventure hard With peril great achieved. Milton.
    Syn. -- Hazard; risk; jeopardy. See Danger.
Per"il transitive verb
Wordforms
imperfect & past participle Periled or Perilled; present participle & verbal noun Periling or Perilling
Definitions
  1. To expose to danger; to hazard; to risk; as, to peril one's life.
Per"il intransitive verb
Definitions
  1. To be in danger. Obs. Milton.

Webster 1913