Word
endanger
Phoneticsen·dan·ger, stress on the second syllable
US/ɛnˈdeɪndʒɝ/
UK/ɛndˈeɪndʒɐ/
Definition
v. to put someone or something in a situation where they could be harmed, damaged, or destroyed.
v. to expose to danger, harm, or the risk of destruction. Transitive; requires a direct object.
Examples
“Pollution can endanger the health of local wildlife.”
“The construction of the new highway could endanger several rare plant species found only in this valley.”
“Reckless financial speculation does more than threaten individual portfolios; it can endanger the stability of the entire global economy if left unregulated by central banks.”
Examples
simple
“Pollution can endanger the health of local wildlife.”
contextual
“The construction of the new highway could endanger several rare plant species found only in this valley.”
complex
“Reckless financial speculation does more than threaten individual portfolios; it can endanger the stability of the entire global economy if left unregulated by central banks.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and always takes a direct object.
Pitfall
The species is endanger.
The species is endangered.
Learners often use the base verb 'endanger' instead of the adjective 'endangered' to describe a state of being at risk.
Real-World Examples
“Leaders of the local fishing community are warning that without urgent action, pollution could endanger fish stocks and, as a consequence, the lives of future generations.” “Hunting endangers not only the animals or hunters themselves, but also other users of Spain’s fields and mountains.” Etymology
From en- + danger. Displaced native Old English frēcnian.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/endanger