jeopardy

Jeopardy, n.

Etymology: [OE. jupartie, juperti, jeuparti, OF. jeu parti an even game, a game in which the chances are even; OF. jeu, ju, F. jeu (L. jocus jest) + F. partier to divide, L. partire to divide. See Joke, and Part.]

Exposure to death, loss, or injury; hazard; danger. There came down a storm of wind on the lake; and they were filled with water, and were in jeopardy. Luke viii. 23. Look to thyself, thou art in jeopardy. Shak.

Syn. -- Danger; peril; hazard; risk. See Danger.

1 other Webster entry under this spelling

Jeopardy, v. t.

To jeopardize. [R.] Thackeray.

Shades of meaning

Fernald has no entry of its own for jeopardy; he lists it under danger, hazard.

Where he writes about it:

Jeopardy is nearly the same as peril, but involves, like risk, more of the element of chance or uncertainty; a man tried upon a capital charge is said to be put in jeopardy of life. — from danger

Synonyms

danger hazard accident casualty chance contingency fortuity insecurity peril risk venture

Antonyms

assurance certainty defense immunity necessity plan protection safeguard safety security shelter surety

etymology Webster’s online