dangerous

The word “dangerous” means likely to cause harm, injury, or death. In plain terms, able or likely to cause harm.

“Dangerous” is pronounced DAYN-zhruhs (/ˈdeɪn.d͡ʒ(ə.)ɹəs/ in IPA).

Here is “dangerous” used in a sentence: “Swimming in that current is dangerous.”

Words with a similar meaning to “dangerous” include dangersome, hazardous, jeopardous, wicked, parlous and periculous.

The opposite of “dangerous” — its antonyms — are safe, secure and unhazardous.

“Dangerous” is an adjective.

The word “dangerous” comes from Old French. From Old French dangereus ("threatening, difficult"), from dangier — the same root as "danger.".

“Dangerous” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

'Dangerous' describes something with a real capacity to cause harm, injury, or death — a dangerous animal, a dangerous road. 'Risky' focuses on the chance of a bad outcome, not necessarily physical harm; a risky investment might cost you money. Dangerous stresses the threat itself, while risky stresses the probability.

Both mean likely to cause harm, but 'hazardous' is more technical and often used for materials, chemicals, or working conditions — hazardous waste, hazardous fumes. 'Dangerous' is the everyday word and applies to almost anything, from a dangerous driver to a dangerous cliff edge. The two frequently overlap in meaning.

The opposite of 'dangerous' is 'safe' — free from the risk of harm. 'Harmless', 'secure', and 'risk-free' are close alternatives. A safe route poses no threat; a harmless creature cannot hurt you. The best word depends on whether you mean protected from danger or simply incapable of causing it.