Danger refers to the possibility of harm, injury, or adverse outcome. It denotes a condition or situation in which there is a credible threat to physical, psychological, or systemic integrity.

In scientific, clinical, and risk analysis contexts, “danger” is distinguished from “risk” and “hazard”:

• Hazard: a potential source of harm (e.g. radiation, pathogen).
• Danger: the immediate potential for harm due to the presence or proximity of a hazard.
• Risk: the probability and severity of harm occurring from that danger.

• “The patient is in danger of respiratory failure.”
• “Delayed evacuation of an epidural hematoma poses immediate danger to life.”
• “The drug was withdrawn due to the danger of fatal arrhythmias.”

• Often time-sensitive: danger implies imminent or escalating threat.
• Can be context-dependent: what is dangerous in one situation may be tolerated in another.
• Requires judgment and action: identification of danger often prompts urgent intervention.

Danger is not merely theoretical—it implies a real and pressing threat requiring awareness and potentially immediate response. In clinical settings, recognizing danger can mean the difference between proactive care and avoidable harm.