English Reference
Verb

endanger

v.
B2 Upper Intermediate US /ɛnˈdeɪndʒɝ/ UK /ɛndˈeɪndʒɐ/ en·dan·ger UK spelling endangers

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.


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.

Usage endanger life

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.

UN News· 30 Aug 2026

From en- + danger. Displaced native Old English frēcnian.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level B2 · Upper Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated