danger

Definitions

Worn-down from Vulgar Latin dominiarium (a lord's power), via Old French dangier. To be "in someone's danger" first meant to be in his power, at his mercy. Because that position is precarious, the meaning shifted from "a lord's control" to "risk, peril." The original domin- (master) is hidden inside the modern spelling.

Why It Means This

Danger looks like a plain native word, but it descends from Latin dominus (master). The chain ran dominiarium (a lord's power) → Old French dangier → "being in someone's power, at their mercy" → "a risky position" → today's "peril." The journey from "a master's authority" to "harm" mirrors a hard truth: to be at a powerful person's mercy is dangerous.

Common Collocations

• 1.in danger处于危险中
• 2.out of danger脱离危险
• 3.pose a danger构成危险
• 4.a danger to对……的威胁
• 5.danger of……的风险

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The hikers were in serious danger as the storm closed in.

• 2.

  Smoking poses a real danger to your health.

• 3.

  There's a danger that prices will rise again.

• 4.

  He warned them of the dangers of driving too fast.