Search Result for "imminent": 
Wordnet 3.0

ADJECTIVE (1)

1. close in time; about to occur;
- Example: "retribution is at hand"
- Example: "some people believe the day of judgment is close at hand"
- Example: "in imminent danger"
- Example: "his impending retirement"
[syn: at hand(p), close at hand(p), imminent, impendent, impending]


The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

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]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

imminent adj 1: close in time; about to occur; "retribution is at hand"; "some people believe the day of judgment is close at hand"; "in imminent danger"; "his impending retirement" [syn: at hand(p), close at hand(p), imminent, impendent, impending]