# jeopardize

/ˈdʒɛpɝˌdaɪz/ (US) · CEFR B2 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/jeopardize
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

to put something important at risk. You use this when an action might cause a plan, a job, or a relationship to fail.

For teachers: to expose to loss, damage, or failure; to place in a situation where there is a risk of harm.

## Examples

- Drinking too much coffee might jeopardize your sleep tonight.
- The athlete knew that missing another practice session would jeopardize her chances of making the Olympic team.
- The CEO warned that any further leaks of confidential data would jeopardize the merger and lead to immediate legal action against those responsible.

## Pitfalls

- Not "jeopardize about the project" but "jeopardize the project" — Jeopardize is a transitive verb and does not take a preposition before its object.

## Usage notes

- The verb is transitive and requires a direct object, typically an abstract noun like 'safety', 'future', or 'career'.

---

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.