Pronunciation

/ˈhæzərd/

Definitions

• Noun (n): A potential source of danger or risk; a perilous situation or condition. For example: “Driving in bad weather can be a serious hazard.”
• Verb (v): To expose someone or something to a risk or danger. For example: “He hazarded his life by going into the burning building.”
• Noun (n): In games such as golf or billiards, a difficult shot or obstacle. For example: “The golfer faced a water hazard on the 18th hole.”
• Noun (n): An unpredictable and random element that can affect the outcome, often used in reference to chance or probability. For example: “The stock market is subject to various hazards.”

Phrases

• “At your own hazard”: This means taking responsibility for any risks involved with a particular action. For example: “If you decide to go ahead without a safety net, you do so at your own hazard.”
• “Run the hazard of”: To risk experiencing something unpleasant or dangerous. For example: “By driving too fast, you run the hazard of getting a ticket or having an accident.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “Working with chemicals without proper protection poses a serious health hazard.”
• Verb: “She decided to hazard a guess about the answer, even though she wasn’t sure.”
• Noun (game): “His skillful play helped him navigate around the numerous hazards on the course.”
• Noun (chance/probability): “Investing in start-ups involves accepting the financial hazards inherent in the venture capital market.”

Synonyms

• Risk
• Danger
• Peril
• Threat
• Obstacle (in the context of games)
• Chance
• Probability (in the context of randomness)