endanger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "endanger" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to putting someone or something at risk or in danger. Example: "The pollution from the factory could endanger the local wildlife."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This news speaks of the current round of negotiations which...could result in an agreement that would be detrimental in every sense of the word and further endanger Iran's national rights.

The Guardian

In order to carry them abroad, he had to follow a few regulations, including making certain that removing a few frogs would not further endanger the total population.

The Guardian

David Cameron's insistence on cutting the European Union budget will endanger any fiscal stimulus to save Europe's economy, the leader of Ireland's opposition has warned.

The Guardian

Eleven serious offences, including manslaughter, kidnap and arson with intent to endanger life, were committed in England and Wales by offenders freed from jail but supposedly subject to the most rigorous level of monitoring by police, probation officers, social services and other agencies.

The Guardian

This wedge can only be driven on towards the American treatment of women who endanger their foetuses in this way.

The Guardian - Opinion

Ex-gang member George, formerly of New Moston, was found guilty in April 2002 after a trial at Preston crown court of Dale's murder and charges of attempted murder and possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.

The Guardian

In recent times, retirement has been made easy for English football's finest, and Jamie Redknapp, with spaces miraculously emerging either on the Match of the Day sofa or in the Sky Sports studio for them to fill – ideally while wearing trousers so tight that they endanger both decency and the wearer's hopes of any future children.

The Guardian - Sport

"10 Downing Street some weeks ago replied to a letter from British citizen and admitted the document does exist and part of it referenced al-Jazeera but that this part cannot be revealed because it might endanger the relationship between the government and Qatar.

The Guardian

It would also further endanger the other sides battling to escape from the bottom three.

The Guardian - Sport

Inquiries about who knew what and when about Chris Rennard have not gone away, but the threshold at which the answers would endanger Mr Clegg is suddenly higher.

The Guardian - Opinion

Amnesty International has warned that this will endanger more lives as Frontex does not have a search and rescue mandate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "endanger", ensure that the subject clearly identifies what is being put at risk, and the object specifies what potential harm is being risked. For example: "Pollution can endanger the health of residents."

Common error

Avoid using "endanger" with abstract nouns as subjects when a more specific action verb is needed. Instead of saying "The decision endangers our progress", specify how the decision hinders progress: "The decision undermines our progress."

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "endanger" is as a transitive verb. It requires a direct object, indicating what is being put at risk. Ludwig confirms that "endanger" is correctly and frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "endanger" is a transitive verb meaning to put someone or something at risk. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent use. It is commonly found in news reports, formal documents, and scientific articles. To avoid misuse, ensure that the object clearly identifies the entity at risk. Synonyms include "jeopardize" and "imperil". Remember to use "endanger" when describing actions that place something at risk rather than simply alluding to potential threats.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put in danger

Uses a phrasal verb construction instead of a single verb.

jeopardize

A more formal synonym with a slightly stronger connotation of potential loss.

put at risk

Emphasizes the possibility of negative consequences.

imperil

A less common, more literary synonym.

expose to danger

Highlights the act of revealing or making vulnerable to harm.

threaten

Focuses on the potential for harm rather than the act of placing in danger.

compromise

Suggests a weakening or undermining of something's integrity or safety.

menace

Implies a potential and impending threat.

leave vulnerable

Focuses on the resulting state of being susceptible to harm.

hazard

Focuses on creating conditions for danger.

FAQs

How can I use "endanger" in a sentence?

"Endanger" is a verb that means to put someone or something in danger or at risk. For example, "Pollution can "endanger" the health of the community."

What is a good synonym for "endanger"?

Good synonyms for "endanger" include "jeopardize", "imperil", and "put at risk". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is it correct to say "endanger the environment"?

Yes, it is correct to say "endanger the environment". It means to put the environment at risk of harm or damage. For example, "Deforestation can "endanger" the environment by causing soil erosion and habitat loss."

What's the difference between "endanger" and "threaten"?

"Endanger" implies actively placing something in a position of potential harm, while "threaten" suggests a statement or indication of possible harm. You "endanger" someone's life by driving recklessly; you "threaten" them with words.