ENGLISH
REFERENCE

endanger

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

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.

Synonyms
Origin

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

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.

© 2026 English Reference