risk

Definition

noun
  • the possibility of something harmful happening
    Examples There is a risk of a cholera epidemic. • There is no risk of the disease spreading to other members of the family.
    Usage at risk
    in danger of being harmed
    Example Businessmen are particularly at risk of having a heart attack.
    Usage children at risk
    children who are more likely to be harmed or to catch a disease
verb
  • to do something which may possibly cause harm or have bad results
    Example If the patient is not moved to an isolation ward, all the patients and staff in the hospital risk catching the disease.
"…adenomatous polyps are a risk factor for carcinoma of the stomach"[Nursing Times]
"…three quarters of patients aged 35–64 on GPs’ lists have at least one major risk factor: high cholesterol, high blood pressure or addiction to tobacco"[Health Services Journal]
Medical-Glossary.com
www.medical-glossary.com/definition/risk.html