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.
Three people were arrested Tuesday on charges of endangering the welfare of a minor following the dog attack that killed a 2-year-old girl in March near North Little Rock, the Pulaski County sheriff's office said Tuesday. — Rafael Escalera Montoto, Arkansas Online, 5 Aug. 2026 But the department has been running into opposition by landowners, environmental groups, Native American tribes and others who argue that the rapid construction endangers environmental and religious sites and a way of life along the border. — Rebecca Santana, Los Angeles Times, 4 Aug. 2026 In 1983, the NBA faced a far more daunting future than the NCAA does now, with revenue gaps endangering teams and unchecked free agency hurting the game’s image. — Charles Grantham, Sportico.com, 3 Aug. 2026 Many Farmers Union shareholders say the 25-year commitment to convey wastewater treated by the Eagle Sewer District will endanger their well-being. — Noah Daly august 2, Idaho Statesman, 2 Aug. 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

See All Rhymes for endanger

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 5 Aug. 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

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