jeopardize

verb

jeop·​ar·​dize ˈje-pər-ˌdīz 

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.

Synonyms

• adventure
• compromise
• endanger
• gamble (with)
• hazard
• imperil
• jeopard
• menace
• peril
• risk
• venture

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

Pollutants from farms and urban areas, like nitrogen, phosphorus, PFAS and road salt, are washing into Wisconsin’s waterways, harming aquatic life and seeping into drinking water, which can jeopardize human health. —Caitlin Looby, Journal Sentinel, 22 Apr. 2024

The pay gap makes retirement harder for women A broadly bearish market would jeopardize even relatively well prepared peak boomers, according to the research. —Paolo Confino, Fortune, 19 Apr. 2024

March 20, 2024 The Sheriff’s Department did not release the names of the three adults for fear of jeopardizing an ongoing investigation, a department spokesperson said. —Andrew J. Campa, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2024

Drinan said research shows colleges that close haphazardly, without helping students find their next opportunity, jeopardize their chances of earning a degree. —Athena Jones, CNN, 13 Apr. 2024

As the ambassador to Bolivia, Rocha warned Bolivians that electing leftist coca farmer Evo Morales, a protege of Fidel Castro, as president would jeopardize U.S. aid to the country. —Caitlin Yilek, CBS News, 12 Apr. 2024

As president in 2017, Mr. Trump disclosed highly sensitive information to the Russian ambassador during an Oval Office visit that apparently jeopardized an Israeli intelligence operation against ISIS. —Alan Feuer, New York Times, 12 Apr. 2024

Don’t share secrets, gossip or get involved in events or activities that might jeopardize your reputation, emotional well-being or health. —Eugenia Last, The Mercury News, 9 Apr. 2024

Rosatom, Russia’s nuclear agency, said on Sunday that the plant had experienced an unprecedented series of drone strikes, which directly jeopardized its safety. —Robyn Dixon, Washington Post, 8 Apr. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see jeopardy

First Known Use

1582, in the meaning defined above

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Kids Definition

jeopardize

verb

jeop·​ar·​dize ˈjep-ər-ˌdīz 

jeopardized; jeopardizing

: to expose to danger