jeopardize

verb

jeop·ar·dize ˈje-pər-ˌdīz

jeopardized; jeopardizing

Synonyms of jeopardize next

transitive verb

: to expose to danger or risk : imperil

a decision that could jeopardize her career

laws jeopardizing freedom of speech

Did you know?

Jeopardize Has a Controversial History

It may be hard to believe that jeopardize was once controversial, but in 1870 a grammarian called it "a foolish and intolerable word," a view shared by many 19th-century critics. The preferred word was jeopard, which first appeared in print in the 14th century. (The upstart jeopardize didn't arrive until the late 16th century.) In 1828, Noah Webster himself declared jeopardize to be "a modern word, used by respectable writers in America, but synonymous with jeopard, and therefore useless." Unfortunately for the champions of jeopard, jeopardize is now much more popular.

Examples of jeopardize in a Sentence

His health has been jeopardized by poor nutrition. don't do anything that will jeopardize your place on the advisory board

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Without careful planning and investment, businesses everywhere may experience rising energy costs that could jeopardize profitability and operational viability. —

Barry Moline, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024 Polling data also shows that Trump's base of white voters in Pennsylvania is shrinking, which could jeopardize his path to victory in the state—and potentially in the overall election. —

Marco Rubio, Newsweek, 1 Nov. 2024 The World Resources Institute noted that 1.7 gallons of corn ethanol are required to make 1 gallon of sustainable aviation fuel — necessitating corn acreage expansion that could jeopardize forests and grasslands. —

Sharon Udasin, The Hill, 31 Oct. 2024 Still, more mainstream figures are also trying to more gently push the idea that election-security flaws may exist that could jeopardize the results. —

Ali Breland, The Atlantic, 29 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for jeopardize