danger
UK: ˈdeɪn(d)ʒə | US: ˈdeɪndʒər
n. exposure to harm or risk; the possibility of suffering injury or loss
n. a person or thing that causes harm or peril
The word "danger" traces back to Old French dangier, meaning "power, dominion" or "a situation of being in someone's control." It evolved from Latin dominium (ownership, control), reflecting the medieval concept of peril arising from being under another's authority (e.g., a lord's arbitrary power). By the 14th century, its meaning shifted to emphasize the risk inherent in such vulnerability, aligning with its modern sense of "exposure to harm." The morpheme dang preserves the core idea of threat, while -er nominalizes it.
The hikers were unaware of the danger lurking in the dense forest.
Smoking poses a serious danger to your health.
The sign warned swimmers of the danger of strong currents.
She felt a sense of danger when walking alone at night.
The detective knew the suspect could still be a danger to society.