Risk, n.
Etymology: [F. risque; cf. It. risco, risico, rischio, Pg. risco, Sp. riesgo, and also Sp. risco a steep rock; all probably fr. L. resceare to cut off; pref. re- re- + secare to cut; -- the word having been probably first used among sailors. See Section.]
1. Hazard; danger; peril; exposure to loss, injury, or destruction. The imminent and constant risk of assassination, a risk which has shaken very strong nerves. Macaulay.
2. (Com.)
Hazard of loss; liabillity to loss in property. To run a risk, to incur hazard; to encounter danger.
Syn. -- Danger; hazard; peril; jeopardy; exposure. See Danger.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Risk, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Risked; p. pr. & vb. n. Risking.]
1. To expose to risk, hazard, or peril; to venture; as, to risk goods on board of a ship; to risk one's person in battle; to risk one's fame by a publication.
2. To incur the risk or danger of; as, to risk a battle.
Syn. -- To hazard; peril; endanger; jeopard.
Shades of meaning
Fernald has no entry of its own for risk; 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
In hazard the possibilities of gain or loss are nearly balanced; in risk the possibility of loss is the chief thought; the foolhardy take great risks in mere wantonness; in chance and venture the hope of good predominates; we speak of a merchant's venture, but of an insurance company's risk; one may be driven by circumstances to run a risk; he freely seeks a venture; we speak of the chance of winning, the hazard or risk of losing. — from hazard
A contingency is simply an indeterminable future event, which may or may not be attended with danger or risk. — from hazard