adjective
perilous
PAIR-uh-lus/ˈperələs/
Full of danger or serious risk.
The crumbling cliff path presents a perilous route above the deep drop.
Etymology
Periculum supplies the danger, and the suffix characterizes something as full of it. Perilous describes circumstances that expose someone to harm, including death, destruction, or injury.
In context
A perilous road lies ahead for these youngsters. Only half of them will survive their first year
More examples
- They began a perilous journey across the desert.
- Rising debt puts the company in a perilous financial position.
- Climbing the cliff without ropes is perilous.
Forms
perilous
peril noun — Serious danger or risk of harm.
perilously adverb — In a way involving serious danger.
Similar words
- dangerous
- Dangerous covers any threat of harm, not necessarily extreme risk.
- hazardous
- Hazardous often describes unsafe conditions, materials, or work environments.
- risky
- Risky can involve minor losses, not just serious danger.