imperil

To imperil means to put someone or something at risk of harm, death, or loss - it is about exposing them to danger. It is not just possible harm; it suggests that a real and significant threat exists. For example: "The rising floodwaters imperiled the town," meaning the town was in serious danger of being flooded.

Unlike simply "risking" something, which implies a chance of loss, to imperil emphasizes the presence of an actual hazard. A careless mistake can imperil a mission, while ignoring warning signs can imperil your safety. It often suggests a vulnerability or helplessness on the part of whatever is being threatened.

Historically, "imperil" was frequently used in tales of adventure and heroism - knights imperiling their lives to rescue others, explorers imperiling themselves in uncharted territories. While it still appears in dramatic contexts, it also shows up in more everyday situations: "The company's financial troubles imperiled the jobs of its employees."

You would not typically use "imperil" for minor inconveniences. You would not say your plans were imperiled by a traffic jam - but you would say they were imperiled by a hurricane. It carries weight, suggesting that something precious or important is at stake.

So whether it is lives, livelihoods, or legacies, to imperil is to place them in serious jeopardy - to expose them to the possibility of devastating consequences.