perilous
UK: ˈpɛrɪləs | US: ˈpɛrələs
adj. full of danger or risk
adj. hazardous; likely to cause harm
The word "perilous" originates from the Old French "perillous," which itself derives from the Latin "periculosus," meaning "dangerous." The root "peril" traces back to Latin "periculum" (trial, risk), reflecting a sense of testing or exposure to harm. The suffix "-ous" (from Latin "-osus") denotes possession of a quality, turning the noun "peril" into an adjective describing something fraught with danger. Over time, the word retained its core meaning of riskiness while evolving into modern English usage.
The climbers faced a perilous journey up the icy mountain.
Driving at high speed in foggy conditions is highly perilous.
The bridge’s crumbling structure made it perilous to cross.
Explorers ventured into the perilous depths of the jungle.
His financial decisions left him in a perilous situation.