verb
jeopardize
JEHP-uh-duh-ihz
verb
1
To put something at risk of being lost, damaged, or ruined.
"Missing another deadline could jeopardize the whole contract."
"Smoking jeopardizes your long-term health."
How to Use Jeopardize
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo put something in danger — a job, a deal, a relationship, your health.
Common mistake
Spelled with one "d" and one "z" in American English (jeopardize); British English also usually keeps the -ize spelling here, though -ise is acceptable.
Common pairings
jeopardize your job
jeopardize the deal
jeopardize her health
Word Forms
jeopardized past tense, jeopardizes singular
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Missing another deadline could _____ the whole contract.
Etymology
From jeopardy + the verb-forming suffix -ize.