The Linguistic Journey of 'Jeopardize'

Definition and Modern Usage

The podcast features 'jeopardize' (spelled j-e-o-p-a-r-d-i-z-e) as the Word of the Day for June 18th. As a verb, to jeopardize something or someone is defined as the act of putting them at risk or in danger. The host illustrates this through a practical example from the LA Times, which describes staff members wearing bear costumes to avoid forming human bonds with a cub, as such attachments would jeopardize the animal's return to the wild. This usage highlights the term's role in describing actions that threaten the safety or successful outcome of a situation.

A Contentious History: From 'Jeopard' to 'Jeopardize'

While 'jeopardize' is standard in contemporary English, its historical trajectory was far from smooth. The podcast presents a fascinating historical trivia: in 1870, the word was labeled by a grammarian as a "foolish and intolerable word," a sentiment echoed by many 19th-century critics who viewed the addition of the '-ize' suffix as unnecessary or improper.

For centuries, the preferred term was simply 'jeopard', which first appeared in print during the 14th century. The "upstart" term 'jeopardize' did not emerge until the late 16th century, and it struggled to gain legitimacy for a significant period. Even the influential lexicographer Noah Webster weighed in on the debate; in 1828, he acknowledged that while the word was used by "respectable writers in America," he ultimately dismissed it as synonymous with 'jeopard' and therefore "useless."

The Survival of the Fittest in Language

Despite the harsh criticism from linguistic gatekeepers of the 19th century, the evolution of the English language followed a democratic path based on usage rather than prescriptive rules. The podcast notes that the "champions of the word 'jeopard'" ultimately lost the battle. The "increased usage" of 'jeopardize' proved to be the decisive factor, effectively pushing the older, preferred term into obsolescence.

In a moment of linguistic irony, the host points out that the frequent use of the newer term eventually "put the former word in jeopardy." Today, 'jeopard' is rarely heard, serving as a classic example of how language shifts over time, often disregarding the objections of contemporary critics in favor of the efficiency and prevalence of newer forms. This historical account serves as a reminder that the perceived "correctness" of a word is often just a snapshot in a constantly evolving linguistic timeline.