jeopardy

[jep-er-dee]

noun

plural

jeopardies 

1. hazard or risk of or exposure to loss, harm, death, or injury.

   For a moment his life was in jeopardy.

   Antonyms: security

2. peril or danger.

   The spy was in constant jeopardy of being discovered.

   Antonyms: security

3. Law.,  the danger or hazard of being found guilty, and of consequent punishment, undergone by criminal defendants on trial.

jeopardy

/ ˈdʒɛpədɪ /

noun

1. danger of injury, loss, death, etc; risk; peril; hazard

   his health was in jeopardy

2. law danger of being convicted and punished for a criminal offence See also double jeopardy

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeopardy¹

1200–50; Middle English j ( e ) uparti, joupardi ( e ), j ( e ) upardi ( e ) < Anglo-French, Old French: literally, divided game or play, hence, uncertain chance, problem (in chess or love), equivalent to j ( e ) u play, game (< Latin jocus joke ) + parti, past participle of partir to divide; party

Word History and Origins

Origin of jeopardy¹

C14: from Old French jeu parti, literally: divided game, hence uncertain issue, from jeu game, from Latin jocus joke, game + partir to divide, from Latin partīrī

Synonym Study

See danger.

Example Sentences

Recasting a government is an exercise in authority and jeopardy – and that's just for the prime minister.

From BBC

That steadiness seemed in jeopardy when Scott’s contract expired this offseason.

From Los Angeles Times

Harris has never missed an NFL game, starting in 68 straight contests over four seasons in Pittsburgh, but that streak could be in jeopardy.

From Los Angeles Times

Losing him would put Wolves' top-flight status in jeopardy.

From BBC

Despite later boasting about killing her he appeared to have got away with murder, protected by the double jeopardy law which prevented someone being re-prosecuted for a crime they had been acquitted of.

From BBC

Related Words

• peril