noun / verb
hazard
HAZ-erd/ˈhæzərd/
To expose something to the possibility of harm or failure.
Touching the wet, frayed cord would hazard your life.
Etymology
Old French hasard named a dice game; gambling chances broadened into chances in life, then risks of harm. The word’s earlier origin is uncertain.
In context
As a worker or homeowner, the hazard exists when undertaking a renovation or demolition. The danger is releasing the asbestos fibres into the air.
More examples
- She refuses to hazard her savings on an untested business.
- Loose wires create a fire hazard in the basement.
- I can hazard a guess, but I need more information.
Forms
hazard · hazards · hazarded · hazarding
hazardous adjective — Involving a risk of harm.
Similar words
- risk
- The more usual word for exposing something valuable to loss.
- jeopardize
- Emphasizes threatening something's safety or success, often without intending to.
- endanger
- Emphasizes exposure to harm rather than an uncertain venture.