hazardous

UK: ˈhæzədəs | US: ˈhæzərdəs

Definition

  1. adj. involving risk or danger

  2. adj. dependent on chance; unpredictable

Structure
hazard <risk>ous <adjective suffix>
Etymology

hazardous = hazard<risk> + ous<adjective suffix>

  • hazard: From Old French hasard (game of chance, risk), possibly from Arabic al-zahr (the dice). Originally referred to dice games, later generalized to "chance" and "danger."
  • ous: A suffix forming adjectives, from Latin -osus (full of, prone to).

Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Arabic gambling culture, where al-zahr meant "dice." Through Old French, it evolved into hazard, meaning unpredictable risk. Adding -ous (a prolific English suffix) transformed it into an adjective describing things fraught with danger or uncertainty—mirroring its dice-game roots.

Examples

  1. The chemical spill created a hazardous environment for workers.

  2. Smoking is hazardous to your health.

  3. Climbing without equipment is highly hazardous.

  4. The factory was fined for improper disposal of hazardous waste.

  5. Foggy roads can make driving hazardous.