imperil
Put at risk
To imperil is to put in danger or jeopardy.
The word is slightly formal, appearing more often in journalism and official statements than casual speech: Budget cuts imperil the future of public schools.
Rising seas imperil coastal communities.
The noun form is peril; imperiled describes something already in danger.
Put at risk
- threatenPromise harm or punishment
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- menaceSource of potential harm
- undermineWeaken by stealth
destabilize · harm · damage · expose · risk · hazard · weaken · sabotage
Dangerously insecure
- unstableProne to sudden change
- shakyTrembling or unstable
- teeteringUnstably balanced, nearly falling
- tenuousLacking solid foundation
fragile · delicate · volatile · uncertain · wobbly · unsteady · touch-and-go · hanging by a thread
Out in open
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- susceptibleEasily influenced or harmed
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
- unsafeLikely to cause harm
helpless · unshielded · unguarded · assailable · at risk · weakened · endangered · threatened
Serious sudden danger
- dangerExposure to harm
- alarmUrgent warning signal
- urgencyPressing need for action
- dire straitsSevere hardship or peril
jeopardy · critical · life-threatening · desperate · grave · serious · acute · imminent threat
jeopardize
Put at risk
- threatenPromise harm or punishment
- compromiseAgreement through mutual sacrifice
- menaceSource of potential harm
undermine · destabilize · harm · damage · expose · risk · hazard · weaken · sabotage · erode
precarious
Dangerously insecure
tenuous · fragile · delicate · volatile · uncertain · wobbly · unsteady · touch-and-go · hanging by a thread · on thin ice
exposed
Out in open
- defenselessWithout means to resist
- susceptibleEasily influenced or harmed
- unprotectedWithout safeguard or shield
unsafe · helpless · unshielded · unguarded · assailable · at risk · weakened · endangered · threatened · precarious
emergency
Serious sudden danger
dire straits · jeopardy · critical · life-threatening · desperate · grave · serious · acute · imminent threat · on the brink