risk

Meaning

Noun

1. (uncountable) The probability of a negative outcome to a decision or event.
2. (uncountable) The magnitude of possible loss consequent to a decision or event.
3. (uncountable) The potential negative effect of an event, determined by multiplying the likelihood of the event occurring with its magnitude should it occur.
4. (countable) A possible adverse event or outcome.
5. (countable, uncountable) A possible adverse event or outcome.
6. (countable) A thing (from the perspective of how likely or unlikely it is to cause an adverse effect).
7. (countable, uncountable) A thing (from the perspective of how likely or unlikely it is to cause an adverse effect).
8. (countable, uncountable) A thing (from the perspective of how likely or unlikely it is to cause an adverse effect).
9. (countable, uncountable) A thing (from the perspective of how likely or unlikely it is to cause an adverse effect).

Verb

1. (transitive) To incur risk of (an unwanted or negative outcome).
2. (transitive) To incur risk of harming or jeopardizing.
3. (transitive) To incur risk as a result of (doing something).

Synonyms

hazard

danger

❗

peril

venture

jeopardize

jeopardy

dare

gamble

endanger

chance

🎲

adventure

stake

take a chance

brave

bet

take chances

run a risk

endangerment

put forth

accident

threat

take risks

wager

be audacious

harm

lay on the line

put on the line

risk of exposure

risk of infection

imperil

uncertainty

undergo

undertaking

be possible

run risks

rush upon

take a risk

issue forth

harm and danger

have opportunity

take the risk

tempt Providence

diversification of risk

attempt

challenge

dangerousness

desecrate

determine

detriment

disregard

Translations

risque

rischio

riesgo

🎲

Risiko

risco

risquer

risico

arriesgar

riskieren

arriscar

riskeren

rischiare

pericolo

peligro

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ɹɪsk/

Etymology

Cognate with Italian: rischio

Cognate with Spanish: riesgo

Cognate with Portuguese: risco

In summary

From earlier risque, from Middle French risque, from Old Italian risco (“risk”) (modern Italian rischio) and rischiare (“to run into danger”). Displaced native Old English pleoh (“risk”) and plēon (“to risk”).
speculation on earlier roots
Most dictionaries consider the etymology of these Italian terms uncertain, but some suggest they perhaps come from Vulgar Latin *resecum (“that which cuts, rock, crag”) (> Medieval Latin resicu), from Latin resecō (“cut off, loose, curtail”, verb), in the sense of that which is a danger to boating or shipping; or from Ancient Greek ῥιζικόν (rhizikón, “root, radical, hazard”).
A few dictionaries express more certainty. Collins says the Italian risco comes from Ancient Greek ῥίζα (rhíza, “cliff”) due to the hazards of sailing along rocky coasts. The American Heritage says it probably comes from Byzantine Greek ῥιζικό, ριζικό (rhizikó, rizikó, “sustenance obtained by a soldier through his own initiative, fortune”), from Arabic رِزْق (rizq, “sustenance, that which God allots”), from Classical Syriac ܪܘܙܝܩܐ ,ܪܙܩܐ (rezqā, rōzīqā, “daily ration”), from Middle Persian [script needed] (rōčig), from Middle Persian [script needed] (rōč, “day”), from Old Persian [script needed] (*raučah-), from Proto-Indo-European *lewk-. Karla Mallette derives the word from Arabic رِزْق (rizq, “sustenance, that which God allots”) via Sabir.
Cognate with Spanish riesgo, Portuguese risco

Sentences

The science started to involve more research into risk assessment and risk management .

He makes an exception and allows abortion when a mother's life is at risk .