peril
peril
Pronunciation
Here is the phonetic spelling, word form, and definition information for "peril."
Phonetic Spelling
The IPA phonetic spelling for peril is /ˈpɛrəl/ or /ˈpɛrɪl/.
Syllable 1: per- (/pɛr/) - The 'pe' is pronounced like the word "pet," and the 'r' blends with it.
Syllable 2: -il (/əl/) - The 'i' makes a weak, unstressed "schwa" sound (like the 'a' in "about"), followed by the 'l' sound.
Word Form Variations
Noun (Singular): peril
Noun (Plural): perils
Verb (Base): peril
Verb (Past Tense): periled / perilled
Verb (Present Participle): periling / perilling
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A state of immediate and serious danger, risk, or jeopardy.
Something that causes or represents a source of danger, harm, or potential disaster.
Synonyms: danger, jeopardy, risk, hazard, menace
Antonyms: safety, security, protection, sureness
Verb
To expose to danger, risk, or harm; to put in jeopardy.
Synonyms: endanger, jeopardize, risk, imperil
Antonyms: protect, save, guard, secure
Examples of Use
Here are several real-world examples of how "peril" is used.
In Books and Literature
In narrative writing, "peril" is often used to establish high stakes and physical danger for the characters.
"He felt that he had been living in peril of his life for weeks." (George Orwell, 1984)
"The travelers knew they were in great peril as the storm raged and the path washed away before them."
"But I will not stand by and see your king, the rightful king, in peril of his life." (George R.R. Martin, A Game of Thrones)
In News and Online Publications
Journalism frequently uses "peril" to describe serious risks, whether environmental, economic, or political.
"A new study published in Nature outlines the peril facing monarch butterflies as their winter habitat shrinks."
"Lawmakers debated the perils of artificial intelligence, warning that without regulation, the technology could pose an existential threat." (The Washington Post)
"The coastal ecosystem is in peril due to a combination of pollution and rising sea levels." (Reuters)
In Entertainment
The word is common in film, television, and gaming, especially in adventure and thriller genres.
The classic 1914 film serial The Perils of Pauline featured a heroine who constantly faced mortal danger.
A movie trailer voice-over might declare: "The kingdom is in peril, and only she can save them from the coming darkness."
In the video game Tomb Raider, Lara Croft often navigates environments full of ancient perils, from spike traps to crumbling ruins.
In General Public Discourse
In speeches, public service announcements, and everyday conversation, "peril" serves as a strong warning.
A political leader might state, "Our nation's security is in peril if we fail to act."
In a legal context, an expert might testify about "the perils of misidentifying a suspect."
An idiom used in conversation is "at your own peril," as in, "You can ignore the professor's warning, but you do so at your peril."
10 Famous Quotes Using Peril
The world is indeed full of peril, and in it there are many dark places. (J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings)
When there is no peril in the fight there is no glory in the triumph. (Pierre Corneille)
Look back, and smile on perils past. (Walter Scott)
We have a natural right to make use of our pens as of our tongue, at our peril, risk and hazard. (Voltaire)
Facing clear evidence of peril, we cannot wait for the final proof. (George W. Bush)
When we look back on all the perils through which we have passed... why should we fear for our future? (Winston Churchill)
Enslave the liberty of but one human being and the liberties of the world are put in peril. (William Lloyd Garrison)
A fool too late bewares when all the peril is past. (Elizabeth I)
The flying peril is not a peril from which one can fly. (Winston Churchill)
The superpowers often behave like two heavily armed blind men... each believing himself in mortal peril from the other. (Henry A. Kissinger)
Etymology
In simple terms, the word peril is all about the idea of "a test" or "a trial" that involves risk.
The word first appeared in English in the 1200s, borrowed from the Old French word peril. Its meaning was the same then as it is now: "danger" or "jeopardy."
The French word, in turn, came directly from the Latin word periculum. This is where the story gets interesting. To the Romans, periculum meant "danger," but it also literally meant "a trial" or "an attempt."
This makes perfect sense: a trial, like crossing a dangerous sea or fighting a battle, was a situation full of risk. You were "trying" your luck against a dangerous obstacle.
This Latin word is built on an even older root (per-) that meant "to try" or "to go through." This is the exact same root that gives us two other common words:
Experiment: A way to "try" an idea to see what happens.
Experience: The knowledge you gain after you have "gone through" something.
So, when you hear the word peril, you are hearing the ancient idea of being put to a dangerous test.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Peril
Phrases Using "Peril"
At one's (own) peril: A warning that doing something involves significant risk and that the person will be responsible for the negative consequences.
In peril: In a state of immediate or serious danger.
In mortal peril: In danger of dying.
The perils of...: The specific dangers or risks associated with a particular activity or situation (e.g., "the perils of fame," "the perils of exploration").
Perils of the sea: An established term (especially in law and insurance) for the dangers inherent to traveling by water, such as storms, shipwrecks, and high waves.
Fraught with peril: Full of dangers and risks.
Idioms and Phrases with a Similar Meaning
Playing with fire
Skating on thin ice
In harm's way
A clear and present danger
In the lion's den
On the brink of disaster
In jeopardy
Sticking one's neck out
(To be) at risk
In the line of fire
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of peril from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
