First Known Use: circa 1661
Dictionary
1risk
noun \ˈrisk\
: the possibility that something bad or unpleasant (such as an injury or a loss) will happen
: someone or something that may cause something bad or unpleasant to happen
: a person or thing that someone judges to be a good or bad choice for insurance, a loan, etc.
Full Definition of RISK
1
: possibility of loss or injury : peril
2
: someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard
3
a : the chance of loss or the perils to the subject matter of an insurance contract; also : the degree of probability of such loss b : a person or thing that is a specified hazard to an insurer c : an insurance hazard from a specified cause or source <war risk>
4
: the chance that an investment (as a stock or commodity) will lose value
— risk·less \ˈris-kləs\ adjective
— at risk
: in a state or condition marked by a high level of risk or susceptibility <patients at risk of infection>
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Origin of RISK
French risque, from Italian risco
Related to RISK
2risk
verb
: to put (something) in a situation in which it could be lost, damaged, etc.
: to do something that could result in (something bad or unpleasant)
: to do (something that may have harmful or bad results)
Full Definition of RISK
transitive verb
1
: to expose to hazard or danger <risked her life>
2
: to incur the risk or danger of <risked breaking his neck>
— risk·er noun
See risk defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of RISK
circa 1687
RISK Defined for Kids
1risk
noun \ˈrisk\
Definition of RISK for Kids
1
: possibility of loss or injury <This adventure involves risks.>
2
: something or someone that may cause loss or injury <Smoking is a health risk.>
2risk
verb
riskedrisk·ing
Definition of RISK for Kids
1
: to expose to danger <He risked his life to save the children.>
2
: to take the risk or danger of <I'm not willing to risk hurting myself.>
Medical Dictionary
risk
noun \ˈrisk\
Medical Definition of RISK
1
: possibility of loss, injury, disease, or death <hypertension increases the risk of stroke>
2
: a person considered in terms of the possible bad effects of a particular course of treatment <a poor surgical risk>
—at risk
: characterized by high risk or susceptibility (as to disease) <patients at risk of developing infections>
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