peril
- 01 C1 Advanced
n.a situation where you are in great and immediate danger.
n.a state of serious and immediate danger; often used in the phrase 'at one's peril'.
Simple“The small boat was in great peril as the storm waves grew higher.”
In context“The explorers were in mortal peril when their oxygen supplies began to fail at an altitude of eight thousand metres.”
UsageCommonly appears in the fixed expression 'at your peril', meaning you must accept the risks of your own actions.
- 02 C1 Advanced
n.something that causes danger or risk.
n.a specific source of risk or a cause of loss, especially in a legal or insurance context.
Simple“The hidden rocks in the river are a peril to all passing ships.”
In context“The insurance policy specifically covers damage caused by fire, flood, and other natural perils.”
UsageIn insurance and law, it refers to the specific cause of a loss.
- 03 C2 Proficiency
v.to put someone or something in a dangerous situation.
v.to expose to danger or risk; to imperil.
Simple“His reckless driving could peril the lives of everyone in the car.”
In context“The diplomat feared that a single leaked document might peril the entire peace process.”
UsageThe verb form is significantly less common than the noun; modern writers typically prefer 'endanger' or 'imperil'.
“But many observers, from MPs to legal experts, say the whole system is in peril.”
“Continuing down the current path comes at our own peril.”
From Middle English peril, from Old French peril, from Latin perīculum. Doublet of periculum.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.