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risk

Pronunciation: /rɪsk/
Translate risk | into French | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of risk

noun

  • a situation involving exposure to danger:flouting the law was too much of a risk [mass noun]:all outdoor activities carry an element of risk
  • [in singular] the possibility that something unpleasant or unwelcome will happen:reduce the risk of heart disease
  • [with modifier] a person or thing regarded as a threat or likely source of danger:she’s a security risk gloss paint can burn strongly and pose a fire risk
  • (usually risks) a possibility of harm or damage against which something is insured: all-risks insurance for professional photographers
  • [with adjective] a person or thing regarded as likely to turn out well or badly in a particular context or respect:Western banks regarded Romania as a good risk
  • [mass noun] the possibility of financial loss:the Bank is rigorous when it comes to analysing and evaluating risk

verb

[with object]
  • expose (someone or something valued) to danger, harm, or loss:he risked his life to save his dog
  • act in such a way as to bring about the possibility of (an unpleasant or unwelcome event):coal producers must sharpen up or risk losing half their business
  • incur the chance of unfortunate consequences by engaging in (an action):Shelley was far too intelligent to risk attempting to deceive him

Phrases

at risk

exposed to harm or danger:23 million people in Africa are at risk from starvation

at one's (own) risk

taking responsibility for one’s own safety or possessions:they undertook the adventure at their own risk

at the risk of doing something

although there is the possibility of something unpleasant resulting:at the risk of boring people to tears, I repeat the most important rule in painting

at risk to

with the possibility of endangering:he visited prisons at considerable risk to his health

risk one's neck

put one’s life in danger: I am not risking my neck for anyone

run (or take) the risk (or risks)

expose oneself to the possibility of something unpleasant occurring:she preferred not to run the risk of encountering his sister

Origin:

mid 17th century: from French risque (noun), risquer (verb), from Italian risco 'danger' and rischiare 'run into danger'

risk in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of risk in the US English dictionary

Nearby words

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