Jeopardize

Jeopardize is a term that refers to the act of putting something or someone in a situation where there is a risk of loss, harm, or failure. The term is often used in legal contexts, but can also be applied to various other situations.

Etymology

The word "jeopardize" is derived from the Middle English word "juparti," which means "to expose to danger or risk." It is believed to have originated in the 14th century.

Usage

In legal terms, to "jeopardize" means to put a defendant's legal rights at risk. For example, the Double Jeopardy Clause of the Fifth Amendment to the United States Constitution prohibits anyone from being prosecuted twice for substantially the same crime. The relevant part of the Fifth Amendment reads: "nor shall any person be subject for the same offence to be twice put in jeopardy of life or limb."

In a broader context, "jeopardize" can refer to any situation where there is a risk of loss, harm, or failure. For example, one might say that a reckless decision could jeopardize a person's career, or that a risky investment could jeopardize a person's financial stability.

Related Terms

• Double Jeopardy: A procedural defence that prevents an accused person from being tried again on the same (or similar) charges following a valid acquittal or conviction.
• Jeopardy!: An American television game show created by Merv Griffin, where contestants are presented with general knowledge clues in the form of answers, and must phrase their responses in the form of questions.

See Also

• Risk
• Danger
• Threat

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