Which verb means to put at risk?

Which verb means to put at risk?

• A. Protect
• B. Endanger
• C. Imperil
• D. Safeguard

Answer: (C)

The idea being tested is finding a verb that directly means to place someone or something in danger. Imperil does exactly that: it means to put in peril or danger. It carries a sense of exposure to risk and harm, which is the precise nuance of “to put at risk.” Endanger also means to put at risk, but imperil is the more direct, formal choice that most precisely expresses bringing something into peril. Protect and safeguard, on the other hand, mean to keep safe or defend from harm, which is the opposite of putting something at risk. A sentence example: The storm imperiled the expedition by threatening the crew and supplies.

The idea being tested is finding a verb that directly means to place someone or something in danger. Imperil does exactly that: it means to put in peril or danger. It carries a sense of exposure to risk and harm, which is the precise nuance of “to put at risk.”

Endanger also means to put at risk, but imperil is the more direct, formal choice that most precisely expresses bringing something into peril. Protect and safeguard, on the other hand, mean to keep safe or defend from harm, which is the opposite of putting something at risk. A sentence example: The storm imperiled the expedition by threatening the crew and supplies.