What does imperiling mean?
“Imperiling” is the present participle of “imperil,” a formal verb meaning to put someone or something in danger. It is used when a person, place, institution, or abstract thing is exposed to serious harm: a storm may imperil coastal communities, a policy may imperil civil liberties, or a decision may imperil a reputation. The word is more common in journalism, political writing, and formal descriptions of risk than in everyday conversation, where “endangering” is often more natural. It carries a stronger and more consequential tone than simply “affecting,” because it implies the possibility of serious harm, loss, or destruction. “Imperiling” is also used in participial constructions, such as “imperiling lives,” and can be modified by an adverb, as in “directly imperiling public safety.”
verb (present participle)Putting someone or something in danger; endangering. The form is the present participle of “imperil.”
- Putting someone or something in danger; exposing someone or something to peril.
- Threatening the safety, stability, or existence of someone or something.
"The storm continued imperiling the coastal villages as it moved inland."
"Rising floodwaters are imperiling homes across the lower valley."
"The decision to reveal the evidence imperiling her reputation."
While “imperiling” may sound like a grand or forceful word, it simply describes the basic human experience of placing something in danger.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does imperiling come from?
The word belongs to the Latin root perīculum, meaning danger or peril. The related English words “peril,” “perilous,” and “imperil” developed through Latin and French forms associated with putting in danger. “Imperil” is the base verb, and “imperiling” is its present participle; the double-l spelling “imperilling” is also standard in British English.
Related word forms
How imperiling is actually used
This form is commonly used in journalism and formal prose. British English may use the spelling “imperilling” with two l’s, while American English typically uses “imperiling” with one.
Easily confused with imperiling
“Imperiling” means putting in danger, whereas “imperious” means domineering or arrogantly authoritative.
“Imperiling” means endangering, while “imperative” means urgently necessary or expressing a command.