jeopardize

verb

jeop·​ar·​dize ˈje-pər-ˌdīz How to pronounce jeopardize (audio)
jeopardized; jeopardizing

transitive verb

: to expose to danger or risk : imperil
a decision that could jeopardize her career
laws jeopardizing freedom of speech

Did you know?

Jeopardize Has a Controversial History

It may be hard to believe that jeopardize was once controversial, but in 1870 a grammarian called it "a foolish and intolerable word," a view shared by many 19th-century critics. The preferred word was jeopard, which first appeared in print in the 14th century. (The upstart jeopardize didn't arrive until the late 16th century.) In 1828, Noah Webster himself declared jeopardize to be "a modern word, used by respectable writers in America, but synonymous with jeopard, and therefore useless." Unfortunately for the champions of jeopard, jeopardize is now much more popular.

Examples of jeopardize in a Sentence

His health has been jeopardized by poor nutrition. don't do anything that will jeopardize your place on the advisory board
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in 2022 both stocks and bonds jeopardized our underlying nest egg, so cash was the only choice. Brett Owens, Forbes.com, 17 Apr. 2025 What People Think Opinions related to health submitted to The Hill: The private sector must lead the way in biomedical research Medicaid cuts jeopardize the right to age at home You’re all caught up. Nathaniel Weixel, The Hill, 17 Apr. 2025 But analysts warn that trimming them could jeopardize precarious recruiting efforts. Anna Mulrine Grobe, Christian Science Monitor, 17 Apr. 2025 In the upcoming episodes, Tommy will be a key player in the events that jeopardize the camp's safety. Randall Colburn, EW.com, 13 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for jeopardize

Word History

Etymology

see jeopardy

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of jeopardize was in 1582

Browse Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Jeopardize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/jeopardize. Accessed 26 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

jeopardize

verb
jeop·​ar·​dize ˈjep-ər-ˌdīz How to pronounce jeopardize (audio)
jeopardized; jeopardizing
: to expose to danger

More from Merriam-Webster on jeopardize

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