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.

President Donald Trump's executive orders on renewable energy could jeopardize hundreds of wind power projects across the U.S., analysts have reported. —

Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 16 Feb. 2025 The states, led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, argue Musk and his assistants aren’t authorized to access the payment system, could jeopardize confidential information and could block federal funds to states for health clinics, preschools, climate initiatives, and other programs. —

Michael Collins, USA TODAY, 14 Feb. 2025 Risk of vaccination rate decline Nationwide, at least 10 states have seen vaccination rates fall, jeopardizing the country's herd immunity from widespread outbreaks. —

Sara Moniuszko, CBS News, 12 Feb. 2025 Poor planning can jeopardize access to space, materials, and equipment, leading to obstacles that drain time and money. —

Hallie Milstein, Southern Living, 9 Feb. 2025 See all Example Sentences for jeopardize