Hazard

Definition

Hazard primarily refers to a potential source of danger or harm, especially in different contexts such as physical environments, sports, or decision-making.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhæzərd/
• Respelling: HAZ-ərd (with "HAZ" as in "has" and "ərd" as in "bird")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhæzəd/
• Respelling: HAZ-əd (with "HAZ" as in "has" and "əd" as in "sofa")

In both dialects, "hazard" places the primary stress on the first syllable, "HAZ." The pronunciation is similar across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "HAZ-ərd" in American English and "HAZ-əd" in British English.

Etymology

The word "hazard" is derived from the Old French "hasard," meaning "chance or luck," which itself comes from the Arabic "az-zahr," meaning "dice" (a reference to a game played with dice).

Derivatives

• Hazardous (adjective)
• Hazardousness (noun)
• Hazarding (verb)
• Hazarded (verb, past tense)
• Nonhazardous (adjective)

Synonyms

• Risk
• Danger
• Peril

Antonyms

• Safety
• Certainty
• Security

Usage

The term "hazard" is commonly used in various fields, including safety, health, engineering, and environmental sciences, to identify and assess potential risks. It is also used in everyday language to refer to anything that poses a potential danger.

Related Terms

• Threat
• Jeopardy
• Gamble
• Uncertainty
• Menace

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Potential Source of Danger: Something that can cause harm or adverse effects.
  • Example: The chemical spill posed a significant hazard to the local wildlife.

• Risk or Peril: A situation involving exposure to danger.
  • Example: Walking on icy roads is a hazard in winter.

Verb

• To Risk or Venture: To expose to danger or risk.
  • Example: He hazarded a guess despite not being sure of the answer.

• To Offer Tentatively: To suggest or propose something with the awareness of potential risk.
  • Example: She hazarded a suggestion during the meeting, knowing it might be controversial.

Note: "Hazard" encapsulates the concept of potential danger, whether it's a physical obstacle or a potential consequence of an action. In specific contexts, like in golf, it refers to a specific obstacle that players must navigate.