WordGarden.iojeopardize
B2Pronunciation
UK
- /dʒˈɛpədˌaɪz/
US
- /ˈdʒɛpərˌdaɪz/
Meanings
Verb
to put something at risk of harm, failure, or loss
Beyond the definition
Imagine building a sandcastle on the beach. A wave could jeopardize it by putting it at risk of being washed away. To jeopardize something is to put it in danger or make its success less likely. You might jeopardize your health by not getting enough sleep, or a company might jeopardize its reputation through poor customer service. The word usually suggests that something important could be lost, harmed, or ruined.
To jeopardize something means to put it at risk of harm, loss, or failure. The word has an interesting history: it comes from the Old French term "jeu parti," which literally means a "divided game." In such a game, the outcome was uncertain. Something was "in jeopardy" because it could easily be lost.
Today, we use jeopardize to describe situations in which something valuable is threatened by an action, decision, or circumstance. It usually suggests serious danger and possible negative results. For example: "Ignoring safety regulations could jeopardize the entire project," or "His reckless spending jeopardized his family's financial security."
Jeopardize often appears when a specific choice, condition, or event creates the danger of failure. A storm might jeopardize a rescue mission by making success less certain. The word is also often used in a figurative way for things like reputations, relationships, plans, or career opportunities: "He jeopardized his career by engaging in unethical behavior."
So, when you hear the word jeopardize, think of putting something important in a dangerous position, where it may be harmed, lost, or unable to succeed.
Examples
- 1
Project risk
Skipping the safety checks could jeopardize the whole project.
- 2
Sports opportunity
The injury may jeopardize his chances of playing in the final.
- 3
Investigation
She refused to share details that might jeopardize the investigation.
- 4
Trust
One careless comment could jeopardize the trust they had built.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Customer data
The company delayed the launch because a software problem could jeopardize customer data.
- 6
Career risk
He did not want to jeopardize his career by getting involved in the scandal.
See also
Similar
Shades of meaning
Contrast
Used with (collocations)
- jeopardize someone's safety
- jeopardize national security
- jeopardize a relationship
- jeopardize a project
Word family
Explore
- risk management
- liability
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- jeopardizeverb
Forms
- jeopardizing-ing formverb
- jeopardizedpast tenseverb
- jeopardizesverb