Peril is a noun that means great danger or exposure to risk of injury, loss, or destruction. It refers to a serious and immediate threat that can cause harm or death. For example, being in a life-threatening situation or facing a hazardous event like a fire or falling rocks can be described as being "in peril"
. In a broader sense, peril can also mean something that may cause harm or injury, not just the danger itself. It is often used in formal or literary contexts to emphasize the severity of the risk. The phrase "at your peril" warns that doing something might be very dangerous and could lead to serious consequences
. In insurance terminology, a peril is any event or circumstance that exposes an individual or property to risk of damage, injury, or loss, such as fire, theft, or natural disasters. Insurance policies typically specify which perils they cover, and some perils like floods or acts of war may be excluded due to their widespread destructiveness
. Etymologically, the word peril comes from the Latin periculum , meaning danger or trial
. Summary:
- Peril = great danger or risk of harm, injury, or death
- Can refer to the dangerous situation or the cause of danger
- Used in phrases like "at your peril" to warn of serious risk
- In insurance, a peril is a covered cause of loss or damage
- Originates from Latin periculum meaning danger
This definition encompasses general usage, literary use, and specific insurance context
