What does jeopardize mean?
To jeopardize something is to put it in danger of being harmed, damaged, lost, or ruined. The word is commonly used when a decision, action, or failure puts a person, organization, relationship, or long-term outcome at risk. For example, a careless statement may jeopardize a career, while inadequate safety procedures can jeopardize public welfare. It is more formal than the everyday verb “risk” and often suggests that the potential harm is serious and avoidable. The related noun “jeopardy” means danger, exposure to harm, or the condition of being threatened. Together, the words are especially useful in public, professional, and legal contexts where the consequences of a risky action need to be emphasized clearly and authoritatively.
verbTo put something or someone at risk of harm, loss, or failure. It means to expose a person, thing, or situation to danger or an undesirable outcome.
- To put a person, thing, or situation at risk of harm, loss, or failure.
"The decision to conceal the error jeopardized the entire project."
"The new regulations could jeopardize thousands of small businesses."
"She refused to speculate because doing so would have jeopardized the investigation."
One careless decision can jeopardize everything that came before it.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does jeopardize come from?
The verb comes through French from Middle English “jeopardie,” originally meaning a divided game or an even chance, and ultimately from Old French jeu parti, referring to a game in which the players divided the stakes. The sense developed from the idea of a risky stake or danger into the modern meaning of putting something at risk. The related noun “jeopardy” retains the idea of danger or peril, while “jeopardous,” now rare or archaic, means involving or exposing something to danger.
Related word forms
How jeopardize is actually used
The word is formal but widely used in professional, journalistic, and legal contexts. It is especially common in discussions of safety, security, relationships, careers, and financial interests.
Easily confused with jeopardize
“Jeopardize” means to put at risk, whereas “jeopardy” is the noun meaning danger or the possibility of harm or loss.
“Jeopardize” is the standard US spelling; “jeopardise” is the standard British spelling and has the same meaning.