Ĭm'mi-nent, a.
a. [Fr. imminent, It. imminente, Sp. inminente, Lat. imminens, p. pr. of imminere, to project, from prefix im, for in, and minere, to jut, project.]
Sense 1. Threatening immediately to fall or occur; near at hand; impending;—said especially of misfortune or peril.
Sense 2. Full of threats of danger; threatening evil; perilous. “Hair-breadth escapes in the imminent deadly breach.” Shak.
Synonyms— Impending; threatening; near; at hand.—IMMINENT, IMPENDING, THREATENING. Imminent is the strongest; it denotes that something is ready to fall on the instant; as, in imminent danger of one's life. Impending denotes that something hangs suspended over us, and may so remain indefinitely; as, the impending evils of war. Threatening supposes some danger in prospect, but more remote; as, threatening indications for the future.
Three times to-day You have defended me from imminent death. Shak.
No story I unfold of public woes, Nor bear advices of impending foes. Pope.
Death to be wished, Though threatened, which no worse than this Can bring. Milton.