Peril (noun)

1. Serious and immediate danger.
2. A state of danger or a dangerous situation.
3. A cause of potential harm or danger.

Origin:

Middle english: from old french peril, from latin periculum "danger, risk", from periclum "a putting in danger", from per- "through" + -iculum "small room, place of danger". .

Examples:

1. In the storm, the ship was in peril.
2. He faced many perils on his journey.
3. The company was in financial peril.
4. The nation is in peril due to the actions of its leaders.
5. The situation is perilous, we must act quickly.