- Imminent
- Imminent Im"mi*nent, a. [L. imminens, p. pr. of imminere to
project; pref. im- in + minere (in comp.) to jut, project.
See {Eminent}.]
1. Threatening to occur immediately; near at hand; impending;
-- said especially of misfortune or peril. ``In danger
imminent.'' --Spenser.
[1913 Webster]
2. Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous. [1913 Webster]
Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
3. (With upon) Bent upon; attentive to. [R.] [1913 Webster]
Their eyes ever imminent upon worldly matters. --Milton.
Syn: Impending; threatening; near; at hand.
Usage: {Imminent}, {Impending}, {Threatening}. Imminent is the strongest: it denotes that something is ready to fall or happen on the instant; as, in imminent danger of one's life. Impending denotes that something hangs suspended over us, and may so remain indefinitely; as, the impending evils of war. Threatening supposes some danger in prospect, but more remote; as, threatening indications for the future. [1913 Webster]
Three times to-day You have defended me from imminent death. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
No story I unfold of public woes, Nor bear advices of impending foes. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
Fierce faces threatening war. --Milton. [1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English. 2000.