jeopardy
UK[ˈdʒepədi]US[ˈdʒepərdi]
n
danger of loss, harm, or failure
n
(law) the danger or risk of being convicted and punished that a criminal defendant faces
Etymology
the word 'jeopardy' entered english in the 14th century from the anglo-french phrase 'jeu parti', literally meaning "a divided game" or "an even chance." this term originated from the old french 'jeu' (game) and 'parti' (divided, past participle of 'partir' to divide). it was used in chess and other games to describe a situation where the chances of winning or losing were balanced, hence uncertain. over time, the sense of uncertainty in a game evolved into the broader modern meaning of peril or danger, where the outcome is hazardous and undecided.
Analysis
this word is a loanword from old french, where it was 'jeu parti', meaning a divided or even game. it is not productively formed from separable english morphemes.
Examples
the company's financial mismanagement put its future in serious jeopardy.
the defense attorney argued that the procedural error placed her client's right to a fair trial in jeopardy.
by not wearing a seatbelt, you are putting your life in jeopardy every time you drive.