endanger

verb

en·​dan·​ger in-ˈdān-jər How to pronounce endanger (audio)
en-
endangered; endangering in-ˈdān-jə-riŋ How to pronounce endanger (audio)
-ˈdānj-riŋ, 
en-
Synonyms of endangernext

transitive verb

: to bring into danger or peril
recklessly endangering innocent lives

intransitive verb

: to create a dangerous situation
driving to endanger
endangerment
in-ˈdān-jər-mənt How to pronounce endanger (audio)
en-
noun

Synonyms of endanger

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Examples of endanger in a Sentence

Parents feared that the dog could endanger their children. The severe drought has endangered crops throughout the area.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But that’s not the same as asserting that the physical differences between males and females invariably mean that men will invariably prevail over women in all competitions or that their participation will endanger women. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 7 July 2026 Wong, a former student leader in the pro-democracy movement, was arrested in June 2025 on suspicion of conspiracy to collude with foreign forces to endanger national security. — ABC News, 7 July 2026 While the blue ghost isn’t formally labeled as endangered, the firefly is fragile. — Eva Flowe july 7, Charlotte Observer, 7 July 2026 Doha called on Iran to stop endangering global energy supplies. — Spencer Kimball, CNBC, 7 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for endanger

Word History

First Known Use

1964, in the meaning defined at transitive sense

Time Traveler
The first known use of endanger was in 1964

Rhymes for endanger

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Browse Nearby Words

end-and-end
endanger
endangered
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Endanger.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/endanger. Accessed 10 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

endanger

verb
en·​dan·​ger in-ˈdān-jər How to pronounce endanger (audio)
endangered; endangering -ˈdānj-(ə-)riŋ How to pronounce endanger (audio)
: to bring into danger or peril
endangerment
-mənt How to pronounce endanger (audio)
noun

Legal Definition

endanger

transitive verb
en·​dan·​ger
: to bring into danger or peril

intransitive verb

: to create a dangerous situation
charged with driving to endanger

More from Merriam-Webster on endanger

Nglish: Translation of endanger for Spanish Speakers

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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