danger

danger — noun

1. the state of being in a situation where you could be harmed, injured, or killed

1.nounA2
Definition

the state of being in a situation where you could be harmed, injured, or killed

Example

During the storm, Adina and her family were in danger until they reached the shelter.

be in danger (phrase for being at risk)

Felipe could see the danger of walking alone on the dark road late at night.

Common collocations
  • in danger
  • in danger of
  • out of danger
  • put someone in danger
Synonyms
  • jeopardy

    more formal; mostly used in fixed phrases like 'in jeopardy'

  • peril

    very formal or literary; suggests a serious and immediate threat

Grammar Patterns

be in danger

in danger of [something]

Usage Note

Often used in the fixed phrases 'in danger' (currently at risk) and 'in danger of' (likely to experience something harmful). The adjective 'dangerous' describes something that causes risk to others, while 'in danger' describes someone who is at risk themselves.

Common Mistakes

He is dangerous' (when meaning he might get hurt).
He is in danger.
'Dangerous' means the person could hurt others; 'in danger' means the person could be hurt.

2. a person, object, or situation that could cause harm or injury

2.nounA2
Definition

a person, object, or situation that could cause harm or injury

Example

Old electrical wires in old buildings can be a danger to young children.

a danger to [someone] (pattern for naming who is at risk)

Mizuki warned the climbers that the loose rocks on the trail were a hidden danger.

Common collocations
  • a danger to
  • hidden danger
  • real danger
  • potential danger
Synonyms
  • threat

    more common for intentional or serious risks

  • hazard

    often used for environmental or workplace risks

Grammar Patterns

be a danger to [someone/something]

Usage Note

Unlike sense 1, this sense is a countable noun — you can say 'a danger' or 'dangers'. The pattern 'a danger to + noun' introduces the person or thing that could be harmed.

Common Mistakes

Smoking is a dangerous to health.
Smoking is a danger to health.
'Danger' is a noun; 'dangerous' is an adjective. After 'a', use the noun form.

3. the chance that something unpleasant or unwanted will happen, beyond just physic

3.nounB1
Definition

the chance that something unpleasant or unwanted will happen, beyond just physical harm

Example

There is a real danger that the new bridge project in Tainan will not be finished on schedule.

there is a real danger that... (pattern for expressing a likely bad outcome)

Quinn saw the danger of speaking too freely about the company's private plans.

Common collocations
  • the danger of
  • there is a danger that
  • real danger
  • obvious danger
Synonyms
  • risk

    more neutral and common; 'danger of' implies a more serious potential outcome than 'risk of'

  • threat

    implies an active or intentional source of the bad outcome

Grammar Patterns

there is a danger that...

the danger of [something]

Usage Note

This sense can be used with a that-clause ('the danger that something will happen') or with 'of + gerund' ('the danger of making a mistake'). It covers social, financial, and professional risks — not only physical harm.

Common Mistakes

There is danger to lose customers.
There is a danger that the company will lose customers.' or 'There is a danger of losing customers.
After 'danger', use 'that + clause' or 'of + gerund', not a to-infinitive.
Idioms

be on/off the danger list

idiom

To be seriously ill and likely to die, or to have recovered enough to no longer be at risk of dying.

After the surgery, Grandpa was on the danger list for three days.

The doctors say Maya is now off the danger list and can go home.

danger — verb