peril
Peril (noun) means a situation of serious, immediate danger. Example: “The hikers were in peril when the storm hit the mountain.”
How to use peril
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSerious danger, or a specific thing that could cause harm.
Mostly used as a noun in formal or dramatic writing; the verb form ("to peril") is rare — "imperil" is far more common.
Word forms
periled past tense, perilled past tense, perils plural, perils singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The hikers were in _____ when the storm hit the mountain.
Etymology
From Old French peril, from Latin periculum ("danger, risk, trial").
Related words
Frequently asked questions
What does “peril” mean?
The word “peril” means a situation of serious, immediate danger. In plain terms, serious danger, or a specific thing that could cause harm.
How do you pronounce “peril”?
“Peril” is pronounced PEH-rihl (/ˈpɛɹɪl/ in IPA).
How do you use “peril” in a sentence?
Here is “peril” used in a sentence: “The hikers were in peril when the storm hit the mountain.”
What is another word for “peril”?
Words with a similar meaning to “peril” include danger, hazard, jeopardy, risk and threat.
What part of speech is “peril”?
“Peril” is a noun.
Where does the word “peril” come from?
The word “peril” comes from Latin. From Old French peril, from Latin periculum ("danger, risk, trial").
Is “peril” a common word?
“Peril” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “peril” have?
“Peril” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a situation of serious, immediate danger.