risk

¹risk

noun \ˈrisk\

Definition of RISK

1

: possibility of loss or injury : peril

2

: someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard

3

a : the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract; also : the degree of probability of such loss b : a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer c : an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source <war risk>

4

: the chance that an investment (as a stock or commodity) will lose value

— risk·less \ˈris-kləs\ adjective

— at risk

: in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility <patients at risk of infection>

Examples of RISK

1. I prefer not to expose my money to too much risk.
2. The degree of risk is minimal.
3. All investments have an element of risk.
4. The trip didn't seem like much of a risk.
5. I'm aware of the risks associated with this treatment.
6. There is a risk of liver damage with this medication.
7. Wearing a seatbelt greatly reduces the risk of injury or death in a car accident.
8. We feel that this product presents a significant risk to public health.
9. To me, skydiving is not worth the risk.
10. Smoking is a risk to your lungs.

Origin of RISK

French risque, from Italian risco

First Known Use: circa 1661

Related to RISK

Synonyms: hazard, imminence, menace, peril, pitfall, danger, threat, trouble

Antonyms: safeness, safety, secureness, security

Related Words: snare, trap; booby trap

Near Antonyms: guard, protection, safeguard, shield, ward; asylum, harbor, haven, refuge, retreat, shelter

see all synonyms and antonyms

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Rhymes with RISK

bisque, brisk, disk, fisc, frisk, whisk