high-risk
Meaning
involving a high level of danger or the possibility of failure or loss
Structure
Usage
investing in startups is considered a high-risk venture.
the procedure is only recommended for high-risk patients.
the bank has strict policies for high-risk loans.
Etymology
the compound adjective 'high-risk' is a modern formation from two distinct linguistic strands. 'high' originates from proto-germanic hauhaz, tracing back to the proto-indo-european root keuk-, meaning "to bend, curve, arch," which evolved to signify great height or degree. 'risk' entered english via french from italian rischio, itself likely from arabic rizq meaning "fortune, sustenance," which semantically shifted to "hazard." the logic of the compound is transparent: it combines the intensifying sense of 'high' with the core concept of 'risk' to denote an activity or situation characterized by a significantly elevated degree of danger or potential for adverse outcomes.
Analysis
high: from old english hēah, meaning "of great vertical extent, lofty, tall." functions as an intensifier in this compound. risk: from italian rischio or french risque, meaning "danger, peril." functions as the core noun element modified by 'high'.