1. The possibility of suffering harm or loss; danger.
2. A factor, thing, element, or course involving uncertain danger; a hazard: "the usual risks of the desert: rattlesnakes, the heat, and lack of water" (Frank Clancy).
3. 1. The danger or probability of loss to an insurer.
   2. The amount that an insurance company stands to lose.
4. 1. The variability of returns from an investment.
   2. The chance of nonpayment of a debt.
5. One considered with respect to the possibility of loss: a poor risk.

1. To expose to a chance of loss or damage; hazard. See synonyms at endanger.
2. To incur the risk of: His action risked a sharp reprisal.

at risk

1. In an endangered state, especially from lack of proper care: unsupervised children who are at risk of dropping out of school.

[French risque, from Italian risco, rischio.]

The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.