Put in danger or at risk of loss, harm, or failure. To expose to hazard or peril.
From Old French 'jeu parti' meaning 'divided game', referring to a chess position where chances are equal. The word entered English in the 14th century, evolving from a gaming term to general risk or danger.
The word 'jeopardy' comes from medieval chess terminology, where 'jeu parti' described an evenly matched position where either player could win! This gaming origin explains why the TV show 'Jeopardy!' uses the format it does—contestants are in an equally risky position of potentially winning or losing.
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