risk

risk · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    (Noun) A situation involving exposure to danger or harm.

  2. 2.

    (Noun) The possibility that something unpleasant or unwelcome will happen.

  3. 3.

    (Noun) A person or thing regarded as a threat or source of danger.

  4. 4.

    (Verb) To expose to danger or loss; to take a chance.

Forms

plural: risks

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    at risk — in danger; vulnerable
  • •
    at one's own risk — accepting personal responsibility for potential harm
  • •
    risk assessment — evaluation of potential dangers
  • •
    calculated risk — a carefully considered gamble
  • •
    run the risk — to be in a situation where something bad might happen

Related words

Antonyms: certainty, safety, security
See also: chance, danger, gamble, hazard
Synonyms: chance, danger, hazard, peril

Etymology

From French risque or Italian risco, possibly from Arabic rizq ("sustenance, fortune") or Greek rhiza ("cliff, root"), referring to navigation hazards.