1.
[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.
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Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach.
--Shak.
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3. (With upon) Bent upon; attentive to. [R.]
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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.
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No story I unfold of public woes,
Nor bear advices of impending foes. --Pope.
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Fierce faces threatening war. --Milton.
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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]