hazard
B2Formal, Technical (in safety/risk contexts), Neutral in everyday use.
Definition
Meaning
A source of danger; something that could cause harm, loss, or adverse effects.
A chance or risk in an activity or situation; also used in specific contexts like golf (an obstacle on a course) or games of chance.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Primarily a countable noun. As a verb, it means to venture or offer something (like a guess) with an element of risk. In risk management, it's distinguished from 'risk'—a hazard is the potential source of harm, while risk is the likelihood and severity of that harm occurring.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. Minor usage frequency variation in very specific technical fields (e.g., 'health hazard' vs. 'health risk' prevalence).
Connotations
In both varieties, carries formal/serious connotations when describing significant dangers. Slightly more bureaucratic/technical feel in UK English.
Frequency
Slightly higher relative frequency in UK English in formal/official contexts (e.g., 'hazard warning', 'hazard perception test').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] a hazard (pose/present/identify)hazard of [noun/gerund] (the hazard of driving tired)hazard to [noun] (a hazard to health)at hazard (formal/archaic: at risk)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “hazard a guess”
- “at all hazards (formal: regardless of the risk)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used in risk assessment, health & safety reports, and insurance (e.g., 'We must mitigate all workplace hazards.')
Academic
Common in environmental science, engineering, medicine, and public health research (e.g., 'The study assessed chemical hazards in the water supply.')
Everyday
Used for common dangers (e.g., 'That loose rug is a tripping hazard.', 'I'll hazard a guess that you're tired.')
Technical
Precise term in safety engineering, toxicology, and occupational health, often part of phrases like 'hazard analysis', 'hazard identification'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- "I wouldn't hazard a prediction in this volatile market," he remarked.
- May I hazard a suggestion for the itinerary?
American English
- I'll hazard a guess that the meeting will run late.
- She hazarded her entire savings on the startup.
adverb
British English
- This word is now rarely used adverbially. Historically/archaically: 'hazardously'.
American English
- This word is now rarely used adverbially. Historically/archaically: 'hazardously'.
adjective
British English
- Hazardous waste must be disposed of properly.
- It was a hazardous journey through the mountains.
American English
- The EPA classified the material as hazardous.
- Flying in that storm was a hazardous undertaking.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Ice on the path is a slipping hazard.
- Smoking is a health hazard.
- The construction site has many potential hazards, so you must wear a helmet.
- Can you hazard a guess at the answer?
- The report identified poor ventilation as a serious occupational hazard for workers.
- He hazarded all his profits on a new business venture.
- The novel compound's environmental hazards are not yet fully understood, necessitating further study.
- Politicians often hesitate to hazard an opinion on such divisive issues before polling data is available.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a HAZardous waste sign – the word 'HAZ' is right at the start. A HAZard is something that makes you say 'HAZ!' in surprise because it's dangerous.
Conceptual Metaphor
DANGER IS AN OBSTACLE/OBJECT IN THE PATH (e.g., 'road hazard', 'clear the hazards'), CHANCE IS A GAME (from its dice-game origins).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation with 'азарт' (excitement, passion for risk-taking). 'Hazard' is about the objective danger, not the emotional thrill. The Russian 'опасность' or 'риск' are closer.
- In golf, 'hazard' (bunker/water) is 'препятствие' or specifically 'бункер', not 'опасность'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hazard' as a direct synonym for 'accident' (a hazard causes accidents).
- Confusing 'hazard' (the danger) with 'risk' (the chance of it happening).
- Overusing in informal contexts where 'danger' or 'risk' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In risk management terminology, what is the key distinction between a 'hazard' and a 'risk'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While often physical (e.g., fire hazard), it can refer to non-physical sources of harm like a 'health hazard', 'moral hazard' (in economics), or 'financial hazard'.
'Hazard' often implies a more specific, identifiable source of danger, sometimes latent or potential. 'Danger' is a more general state of being exposed to harm. A hazard poses a danger.
Yes, but it's fairly formal. It means to venture or offer something, like an opinion or guess, with some risk involved (e.g., 'hazard a guess'). It can also mean to risk something valuable.
It comes from Old French 'hasard', likely from Spanish 'azar' meaning 'an unfortunate card or throw at dice', which itself is from Arabic 'az-zahr' meaning 'the dice'. This origin reflects the element of chance or risk.
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