risk // risks, risking, risked
 
1 If there is a risk of something unpleasant,                                                COUNT N,
there is a possibility that it will happen.                                                     UNCOUNT N
There is very little risk of infection.
...the risk that their men might disappear without trace.  
 
2 If something is a risk, it might have dangerous or unpleasant results.      SING N
Such a response would be an irrational risk.
Your television is a fire risk if left plugged in overnight.

3 If you risk something unpleasant, you do something knowing that            VB WITH OBJ,
the unpleasant thing might happen as a result.                                             VB WITH -ING
They were willing to risk losing their jobs.
 
4 If you risk an action, you do it, even though you know that                       VB WITH OBJ,
it might have undesirable consequences.                                                     VB WITH -ING
If you have an expensive rug, don't risk washing it yourself.  
 
5 If you risk someone's life, you put them in a dangerous position.             VB WITH OBJ
She had risked her life to help save mine.
 
· at risk                                                                                                      PHRASE(S)
at your own risk
run the risk
take a risk