imperil

verb

im·​per·​il im-ˈper-əl 

-ˈpe-rəl

imperiled or imperilled; imperiling or imperilling

transitive verb

: to bring into peril : endanger

a reckless act that imperiled us all

a list of imperiled species

imperilment

im-ˈper-əl-mənt 

-ˈpe-rəl-

noun

Synonyms of imperil

• endanger
• threaten

Examples of imperil in a Sentence

The toxic fumes imperiled the lives of the trapped miners.

The financial health of the company was imperiled by a string of bad investments.

a list of imperiled species

Recent Examples on the Web

Global oil prices have climbed sharply since the US and Iran resumed fighting over a week ago, imperiling peace talks. — Hanna Ziady, CNN Money, 20 July 2026

The animal is imperiled, down roughly 90 percent since the 1970s, and deserves real protection. — Shannon Welch, Oc Register, 12 July 2026

The company’s stock closed under $150 yesterday, its first day in the Nasdaq 100, for the first time since its June 12 IPO, possibly imperiling Elon Musk’s title as the world’s first trillionaire. — Andrew Nusca, Fortune, 8 July 2026

But the abilities bring out the darker sides of some, imperiling the world as the kids know it. — Declan Gallagher, Entertainment Weekly, 7 July 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English inperiled, from in- in- entry 2 + peril peril entry 1 + -ed -ed entry 1

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for imperil

• carbaryl
• glyceryl
• beryl
• feral
• karel
• peril
• seral
• sterile
• sterol
• foraminiferal
• tocopherol

Kids Definition

imperil

verb

im·​per·​il im-ˈper-əl 

imperiled or imperilled; imperiling or imperilling

: to place in great danger : endanger

imperilment

-əl-mənt 

noun