danger
DAYN-juh
Danger (noun) means the possibility of harm, injury, or death. Example: “Firefighters face danger every time they enter a burning building.”
noun
1
The possibility of harm, injury, or death.
"Firefighters face danger every time they enter a burning building."
"There's no danger of the bridge collapsing."
"The sign warned of danger from falling rocks."
2
A specific person or thing that is likely to cause harm.
"Loose electrical wiring is a real danger in old houses."
"Icy pavements are a danger to elderly walkers."
"Smoking is a danger to your health."
How to use danger
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRisk of harm, or a specific thing that could cause it.
Common pairings
in danger
a danger to
sense of danger
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Word forms
- Plural
- dangers
- Third person singular
- dangers
- Past tense
- dangered
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Firefighters face _____ every time they enter a burning building.
Etymology
From Old French dangier, originally meaning "power" or "dominion" before it came to mean "peril" — ultimately from Latin dominus ("lord, master").
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for danger
See all rhymes for danger →Frequently asked questions
What does “danger” mean?
The word “danger” means the possibility of harm, injury, or death. In plain terms, risk of harm, or a specific thing that could cause it.
How do you pronounce “danger”?
“Danger” is pronounced DAYN-juh (/ˈdeɪn.d͡ʒɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “danger” in a sentence?
Here is “danger” used in a sentence: “Firefighters face danger every time they enter a burning building.”
What is another word for “danger”?
Words with a similar meaning to “danger” include adventure, distress, harm's way, peril, jeopardy and threat.
What is the opposite of “danger”?
The opposite of “danger” — its antonyms — are safety, secureness and security.
What part of speech is “danger”?
“Danger” is a noun.
Where does the word “danger” come from?
The word “danger” comes from Latin. From Old French dangier, originally meaning "power" or "dominion" before it came to mean "peril" — ultimately from Latin dominus ("lord, master").
Is “danger” a common word?
“Danger” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What is the difference between danger and risk?
Danger is the possibility of harm itself, the threat that something bad could happen. Risk is the chance or likelihood of that harm actually occurring, and it can often be measured. A cliff edge is a danger; the risk is how probable it is that you will fall from it.
What is the difference between danger and hazard?
A hazard is something with the potential to cause harm, such as a wet floor, a sharp blade, or a toxic chemical. Danger is the actual exposure to that harm, or the possibility of it happening. Put simply, a hazard is the source, and danger is the threat it poses to you.
What is the opposite of danger?
The clearest opposites are 'safety' and 'security,' both describing a state free from the possibility of harm. 'Protection' and 'shelter' are close too. Where danger warns of harm that might come, these words describe conditions in which you are shielded from it.
Is danger always physical?
No. While danger often means a physical threat to the body, it also applies to money, reputation, emotions, and more. A risky investment can put your savings in danger, and a careless remark can endanger a friendship. Anywhere harm is possible, danger can exist.
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