Dān'ger1, n.
n. [Fr. danger, O. Fr. dangier, danger, difficulty, obstacle, Pr. dangier, L. Lat. dangerium, from Lat. as if damnarium, from damnum, damage, loss, fine, penalty.]
- Exposure to injury, loss, pain, or other evil.
- Domain; reach or power for harm. Shak.
- Hesitation; coyness; caution. [Obs.] Chaucer.
Synonyms—Peril; hazard; risk; jeopardy.—DANGER, PERIL, HAZARD, RISK, JEOPARDY. Danger is the generic term, and implies some contingent evil in prospect. Peril is instant or impending danger; as, in peril of one's life. Hazard arises from something fortuitous or beyond our control; as, the hazard of the seas. Risk is doubtful or uncertain danger, often incurred voluntarily; as, to risk an engagement. Jeopardy is extreme danger. Danger of a contagious disease; the perils of shipwreck; the hazards of speculation; the risk of daring enterprises; a life brought into jeopardy.