adj.
Pronunciation: ' d ā n-j ə -r ə s; ' d ā n-j ə rs, -zhr ə s
Function: adjective
Date: 15th century
1 : exposing to or involving danger <a dangerous job>
2 : able or likely to inflict injury or harm <a dangerous man>
– dan · ger · ous · ly adverb
– dan · ger · ous · ness noun
synonyms DANGEROUS , HAZARDOUS , PRECARIOUS , PERILOUS , RISKY mean bringing or involving the chance of loss or injury. DANGEROUS applies to something that may cause harm or loss unless dealt with carefully <soldiers on a dangerous mission>. HAZARDOUS implies great and continuous risk of harm or failure <claims that smoking is hazardous to your health>. PRECARIOUS suggests both insecurity and uncertainty <earned a precarious living by gambling>. PERILOUS strongly implies the immediacy of danger < perilous mountain roads>. RISKY often applies to a known and accepted danger <shied away from risky investments>.