hazard
UK[ˈhæzəd]US[ˈhæzərd]
n
something that could be dangerous or cause damage or accidents
n
risk or danger in general
v
to say something that is only a suggestion or guess
v
to risk something, especially money, on the result of something
Etymology
The word 'hazard' entered English in the 13th century from Old French 'hasard', meaning a game of dice or chance. The French term likely came from Spanish 'azar', meaning an unfortunate card or dice throw, which itself is traced to Arabic 'az-zahr' (الزهر), meaning 'the dice'. This Arabic origin reflects the concept of chance inherent in dice games. Over centuries, the meaning in English broadened from the specific risk in gaming to encompass any source of danger or peril, capturing the inherent unpredictability and risk originally associated with a roll of the dice.
Analysis
The word is a simplex loanword where the modern English spelling does not transparently correspond to separable morphemes of English origin.
Examples
Wet floors are a major slip hazard in this building.
He hazarded all his savings on the new business venture.
I wouldn't hazard a guess as to when the project will be finished.