brink

noun

ˈbriŋk 

1

: edge

especially : the edge at the top of a steep place

2

: a bank especially of a river

3

: the point of onset : verge

on the brink of war

4

: the threshold of danger

Synonyms

• cusp
• edge
• point
• threshold
• verge

Examples of brink in a Sentence

was at the brink of death when the rescuers arrived

Recent Examples on the Web

SoFi Stadium was blanketed in red, Niners fans owning the building, the defending NFC champs owning the moment, the 0-2 locals riddled with injuries and on the statistical brink of extinction. —Bill Plaschke, Los Angeles Times, 23 Sep. 2024

The costs are pushing some condo owners to the financial brink. —Josh Feldman, NBC News, 12 Aug. 2024

In 1973, his actions plunged the region into war, brought the superpowers close to the nuclear brink, and caused an oil crisis. —Gabriel Scheinmann, Foreign Affairs, 17 May 2015

Check out these 6 family-friendly, holiday events To attract lifeguards amid shortage, CT employers bump up pay but there’s more to problem Mystery among the vines: Why is the FBI probing some of Napa Valley’s fanciest wineries? ‘Lioness’ caregiver’s love brings CT woman back from brink of death. —Hartford Courant, 26 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse brekka slope; akin to Middle Dutch brink grassland

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing brink

• brought/pulled back from the brink of
• on the brink of
• teetering on the brink/edge of
• the brink

Kids Definition

brink

noun

ˈbriŋk 

1

: the edge at the top of a steep place

2

: a point of beginning : verge

on the brink of war