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Webster 1913 Edition
Imminent
Im′mi-nent
,Adj.
[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.
2.
Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous.
Hairbreadth scapes i’ the
imminent
deadly breach. Shakespeare
3.
(With upon) Bent upon; attentive to.
[R.]
Syn. – Impending; threatening; near; at hand.
– 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. Three times to-day
You have defended me from
You have defended me from
imminent
death. Shakespeare
No story I unfold of public woes,
Nor bear advices of
Nor bear advices of
impending
foes. Pope.
Fierce faces
threatening
war. Milton.
Webster 1828 Edition
Imminent
IM'MINENT
,Adj.
Literally, shooting over; hence, hanging over; impending; threatening; near; appearing as if about to fall on; used of evils; as imminent danger; imminent judgments, evils or death.