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

Forecasters warn Lala could dump up to 25 inches of rain on steep terrain, driving life-threatening flooding, mudslides, storm surge and dangerous surf that imperil rural residents and key agricultural areas. — Jennifer Sinco Kelleher, Los Angeles Times, 15 Aug. 2026

Linebacker was one of the Horned Frogs’ strengths on defense last season, and a dropoff from last year’s success could imperil a defense that wants to take a step forward. — Lawrence Dow, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 15 Aug. 2026

That detour plays into the hand of Mayor Humdinger who hatches a dirty rotten plan to mine the isle of its gem resources, a development that imperils all. — Randy Myers, Mercury News, 12 Aug. 2026

Central Florida Congressman Cory Mills faces dwindling campaign funds and growing opposition from members of his own party, potentially imperiling his re-election bid with less than a week to go before the primary. — Annie Martin, The Orlando Sentinel, 12 Aug. 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