danger
danger — noun
1. the state of being in a situation where you could be harmed, injured, or killed
the state of being in a situation where you could be harmed, injured, or killed
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.
The firefighters knew the building was in danger of collapsing at any moment.
Salma's doctor told her that her heart was not in danger, but she should rest for a few days.
文法句型
be in danger
in danger of [something]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
2. a person, object, or situation that could cause harm or injury
a person, object, or situation that could cause harm or injury
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.
The broken glass on the beach was a danger to everyone walking without shoes.
Amani knew that the loose wire in the garage was a danger to anyone who touched it.
文法句型
be a danger to [someone/something]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
3. the chance that something unpleasant or unwanted will happen, beyond just physic
the chance that something unpleasant or unwanted will happen, beyond just physical harm
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.
Lan discovered the danger of signing a lease without reading it when a surprise fee appeared on her first bill.
Inês did not see the danger of posting her home address on social media until a friend warned her.
文法句型
there is a danger that...
the danger of [something]
用法筆記
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.
常見錯誤
danger — verb
1. to put someone or something in a situation where they may be harmed, damaged, or
to put someone or something in a situation where they may be harmed, damaged, or lost
The oil spill off the coast endangered thousands of sea birds.
endangered + [living things / natural objects]
Christopher endangered his health by working for months without taking a single day off.
Cutting down so many trees in that forest endangers the natural homes of wild animals.
Anong refused to endanger her classmates by driving when she felt too tired to focus.
- jeopardize
more formal; often used for plans, careers, or reputations rather than physical safety
- threaten
broader; can refer to future possibility rather than immediate risk
- protect
to keep someone or something safe from harm
文法句型
endanger + [noun phrase]
用法筆記
The verb form is 'endanger', not 'danger'. Unlike 'put someone in danger' (noun sense 1), 'endanger' directly takes an object without a preposition. Often used in environmental and safety contexts.