# endanger

/ɛnˈdeɪndʒɝ/ (US) · /ɛndˈeɪndʒɐ/ (UK) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/endanger
Updated: 2026-05-07

## Definition

to put someone or something in a situation where they could be harmed, damaged, or destroyed.

For teachers: 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.

## Pitfalls

- Not "The species is endanger." but "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 notes

- The verb is transitive and always takes a direct object.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.