Putting something valuable or important at risk of being harmed, lost, or damaged.
From Old French 'jeu parti' meaning 'divided game' or uncertain outcome. The 'jeu' (game) and 'parti' (divided) combined to mean an uncertain situation. English contracted this to 'jeopardy' in the 1500s, then created the verb form 'jeopardize.'
The game show 'Jeopardy!' uses the word brilliantly because your score is always in jeopardy—you can gain or lose points, just like the original meaning of uncertain outcome! The connection between game theory and the word 'jeopardy' is beautifully preserved in the show's mechanics.
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