perilous
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
- nonperilous adjective
- perilously adverb
- perilousness noun
- unperilous adjective
Etymology
Origin of perilous
First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English, from Anglo-French perillous, from Latin perīculōsus; peril, -ous
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
A war which is far from over is already unfolding in unpredictable and perilous ways.
From BBC
Pierce, a Northerner, believed that the Compromise of 1850 had solved the slavery issue, declaring, “We have been carried in safety through a perilous crisis …” He wanted Americans to concentrate on prosperity and peace.
From Literature
It wasn’t immediately clear exactly from where Blom fell, but the area is known to be perilous.
From Los Angeles Times
A slew of software earnings come at a perilous time for the industry and the broader tech sector.
From Barron's
The move comes after leader Kenny MacAskill revealed that the party was unlikely to field candidates in May due to its "perilous financial position".
From BBC
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
