peril

Something that can cause harm or serious trouble.

• Ice is one peril of winter driving.
• The sailors faced many perils during their journey.
• She warned us about the perils of borrowing too much money.

How to use it: the perils of something (The guide explained the perils of mountain climbing.)

Similar words: danger, hazard, risk

Common phrases: peril of something, hidden peril

A state of serious danger in which someone may be hurt or killed.

• The climbers were in peril.
• Her quick action saved us from serious peril.
• They escaped the burning building at great peril to themselves.

How to use it: in peril (Their lives were in peril after the boat sank.); at your peril (You ignore these warnings at your peril.)

Similar words: danger

Opposites: safety

Common phrases: in peril, grave peril, at your peril