OpenSynonym

danger

/ˈdeɪndʒər/

NOUN

1. Exposure to possible harm or injury

The condition of being exposed to the possibility of physical injury, damage, loss, or other harmful consequences.

1.1. Risk of physical harm or injury

Used when a person, animal, or object is exposed to circumstances that could cause physical injury, damage, or destruction.

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Examples

  • The mountaineers were well aware of the danger that awaited them as they ascended the steep cliffs.
  • Danger lurked in the shadows, so they proceeded with caution through the dark alley.

Related Words

1.2. Uncertainty and precarious situations

Used when circumstances involve uncertainty, instability, or an unpredictable possibility of harmful outcomes, making a situation difficult to control or rely upon.

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Antonyms

  • certainty
  • security
  • sureness
  • safety

Examples

  • Investing all his savings in the unstable business placed his financial future in danger.
  • The uncertainty of the situation put the entire expedition in danger.

Related Words

NOUN

2. A source or cause of potential harm

A person, thing, condition, or circumstance that has the potential to cause injury, damage, trouble, or other undesirable consequences.

2.1. Hazardous objects and conditions

Used to identify something that can cause physical injury, accidents, destruction, or other harmful effects.

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Examples

  • The captain navigated the ship skillfully, avoiding the treacherous reefs that posed a significant danger to their voyage.
  • The exposed electrical wires presented a serious danger to anyone entering the building.

Related Words

2.2. Threatening people or situations

Used when a person, event, or developing situation represents a potential threat to someone's safety, well-being, interests, or stability.

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Examples

  • The growing political conflict posed a serious danger to regional stability.
  • The stranger was considered a danger to the safety of the local community.

Related Words

NOUN

3. Ability or power to cause harm

The capacity, authority, or potential of a person or entity to harm, punish, or exercise harmful influence over another.

3.1. Power to harm or punish

Refers to someone's ability, authority, or control to inflict harm, impose penalties, or place another person under their power.

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Examples

  • The prisoners remained in the danger of their captors, who had complete power over their lives.

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NOUN

4. A state of difficulty or trouble

A difficult, troublesome, or unfavorable situation involving potential loss, hardship, or undesirable consequences.

4.1. Troublesome or difficult circumstances

Used to describe circumstances involving serious difficulties, complications, or problems that may result in harm, loss, or distress.

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Examples

  • Ignoring the warning signs of the impending storm was a reckless move, putting them directly in harm's danger.

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VERB

5. To expose someone or something to harm

To place someone or something in a situation where injury, damage, loss, or other harmful consequences may occur.

5.1. Endangering or imperiling someone or something

Used to describe putting a person, object, or situation at risk of harm, injury, destruction, or an unfavorable outcome.

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Examples

  • Reckless decisions can danger the lives of everyone involved in the expedition.

Related Words

5.2. Taking a risk or facing possible loss

Used in the less common verbal sense of undertaking an action that involves uncertainty or the possibility of an unfavorable consequence.

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Examples

  • They decided to danger the journey despite the uncertainty of the outcome.

Related Words