endangered
endangered
Pronunciation
/ɪnˈdeɪnʤəd/
Sound Breakdown by Syllable:
en-: /ɪn/ (like the "in" in "ink")
dan-: /deɪn/ (like "dayn" with a long "a" sound)
Word Form Variations
Verb: endanger (base form), endangers (third person singular present), endangering (present participle), endangered (past tense, past participle)
Adjective: endangered
Noun: endangerment
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Verb (to endanger):
To put something or someone at risk of harm, loss, or destruction.
Synonyms: jeopardize, imperil, threaten, compromise, expose
Antonyms: protect, safeguard, secure, preserve, shield
Adjective (endangered):
Being in a state of serious risk or vulnerability, especially referring to a species facing a very high probability of extinction.
Synonyms: threatened, imperiled, at risk, vulnerable, precarious
Antonyms: safe, secure, protected, abundant, thriving
Noun (endangerment):
The state of being put in a dangerous or harmful situation; the act of causing such a state.
Synonyms: jeopardy, peril, risk, threat, vulnerability
Antonyms: safety, security, protection, preservation, well-being
Examples of Use
In Books:
"The book Endangered by Tim Flach features stunning photography that brings endangered species like elephants and big cats to life, while Jonathan Baillie's insights make you think about the challenges these animals face." (The Rookie Jurist, January 2025)
"Jane Goodall, with Thane Maynard, shares inspiring tales of animals that were once endangered but are making a comeback, like the California condor and the American crocodile, in her book Hope for Animals and Their World: How Endangered Species Are Being Rescued from the Brink." (BookAuthority, January 2025)
Children's books often feature endangered and threatened species, such as Don't Let Them Disappear by Chelsea Clinton, which highlights species on the path to extinction. (Library of Congress Research Guides, June 2025)
In Newspapers:
"The World's 'Most Trafficked Mammal' Might Soon Be Protected by the U.S. Endangered Species Act." (Smithsonian Magazine, June 2025)
"Biologists Rejoice as Extremely Rare Guam Kingfishers Lay Their First Wild Eggs in Nearly 40 Years. The brightly colored birds are extinct in the wild, having disappeared from their native Guam in 1988 due to the introduction of the invasive brown tree snake. But now, they're starting to make a comeback on Palmyra Atoll." (Smithsonian Magazine, April 2025)
"3 endangered tiger cubs caught on camera in park for first time." (CBS News, January 2025)
In Online Publications:
"The African forest elephant is listed as Critically Endangered, while the African savanna elephant is Endangered." (WWF Species Directory)
"Scientists are using drones to unleash thousands of mosquitoes in Hawaii in a bid to save native birds from avian malaria, which has been endangering their populations." (Smithsonian Magazine, June 2025)
"The vaquita, the rarest and smallest of all cetaceans, is extremely endangered, with estimates of only 10 to 18 remaining as of 2022 due to entanglement in illegal gill nets." (Britannica, June 2025)
In Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
"The portrayal of chimpanzees in unnatural, human-like situations in movies and commercials may have a negative effect on the public's understanding of their endangered status in the wild." (PLOS ONE, October 2011)
"Many conservation organizations advocate against the use of wild animals in entertainment, highlighting how such practices can endanger the animals' well-being and hinder conservation efforts." (PETA)
Documentaries like those on National Geographic or the BBC frequently showcase efforts to protect endangered species, using captivating visuals and narratives to raise awareness about their plight. (General observation of documentary content)
In General Public Discourse:
Discussions around climate change often include concerns about how rising temperatures and habitat loss are putting numerous species at risk of becoming endangered or extinct. (General public discourse, ongoing)
Local community groups may raise awareness about the presence of endangered plants or animals in their area, advocating for protection of habitats and responsible tourism. (General public discourse, ongoing)
Conversations about sustainable development frequently address the need to balance economic growth with the protection of endangered ecosystems and the biodiversity they support. (General public discourse, ongoing)
10 Quotes Using Endangered
"We all have a responsibility to protect endangered species, both for their sake and for the sake of our own future generations." (Loretta Lynch)
"What is a fish without a river? What is a bird without a tree to nest in? What is an Endangered Species Act without any enforcement mechanism to ensure their habitat is protected? It is nothing." (Jay Inslee)
"If you want to see an endangered species, get up and look in the mirror." (John Young)
"The snow leopard is absolutely magnificent. It represents really what endangered species are all about." (Jack Hanna)
"Take the crocodile, for example, my favorite animal. There are 23 species. Seventeen of those species are rare or endangered. They're on the way out, no matter what anyone does or says, you know." (Steve Irwin)
"Liberty may be endangered by the abuse of liberty, but also by the abuse of power." (James Madison)
"Please think of me like an endangered species and just observe me quietly from far away. If you try to talk to me or touch me casually, I may get intimidated and bite you. So please be careful." (Haruki Murakami)
"Endangered forests are being slaughtered for toilet paper." (Daphne Zuniga)
"The real threat to whales is whaling, which has endangered many whale species." (Dave Barry)
"Even though the album is an endangered species, can we try and make a coherent and good one, even if it's like making a horse and cart at a Nascar conference?" (Chris Martin)
Etymology
The word "endangered" comes from combining a few older parts.
It really started with the verb "endanger." This verb first appeared in English in the late 1400s. It was formed by adding the prefix "en-" to the word "danger."
"en-": This prefix, borrowed from French and ultimately from Latin, means "in" or "into," or "to put into a state of." Think of words like "enable" (to make able) or "encourage" (to put courage into).
"danger": This word itself came from Old French "dangier," which originally meant "power" or "control." Over time, its meaning shifted to refer to "the power to harm" or "exposure to harm."
So, when you put them together, "endanger" literally means "to put into danger."
The adjective "endangered" (meaning "being in a state of danger") came a bit later, in the early 1600s. Its first known use was to describe something that had been exposed to danger. The specific use of "endangered" to describe animal or plant species at risk of extinction became common much later, around the early 1900s.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Endangered
While "endangered" is most commonly used in straightforward phrases, especially in the context of conservation, here's a list that includes both common uses and some more evocative or original phrases and idioms, or those using synonyms for a similar effect:
Endangered species: This is the most common and literal phrase, referring to a type of animal or plant at risk of extinction.
Example: "The giant panda remains an endangered species, despite conservation efforts."On the endangered list: This refers to official classification by conservation organizations.
Example: "Several marine animals are now firmly on the endangered list due to plastic pollution."Critically endangered: Denotes an even higher level of risk, meaning the species faces an extremely high risk of extinction in the wild.
Example: "The vaquita is critically endangered, with only a handful remaining."Endangered habitat: Refers to a natural environment that is threatened with destruction or significant alteration.
Example: "Deforestation has led to a severely endangered habitat for many unique primates."An endangered way of life: Used metaphorically to describe a cultural practice, tradition, or lifestyle that is at risk of disappearing.
Example: "With the rise of digital communication, letter writing is becoming an endangered way of life."To endanger the future: To put the prospects or existence of something in the future at risk.
Example: "Our current consumption patterns could endanger the future of natural resources."Hanging by a thread (similar effect for "endangered"): This idiom describes a situation that is very precarious or close to failure, often used for something that is "at risk."
Example: "The survival of that small, isolated population of frogs is truly hanging by a thread, making them practically endangered."On the brink of extinction (similar effect for "endangered"): A strong phrase indicating a species is very close to dying out completely.
Example: "Many rare birds are on the brink of extinction, making them highly endangered."A dying breed (similar effect for "endangered"): Refers to something or someone becoming increasingly rare or old-fashioned.
Example: "True craftsmanship, in some industries, feels like a dying breed, almost an endangered skill."To be an endangered resource: Used to describe a natural resource that is becoming scarce or overused.
Example: "Freshwater in many regions is rapidly becoming an endangered resource."
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of endangered from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
