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imminent

adjective

/ˈɪmɪnənt/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of imminent

About to happen or occur in the very near future, often suggesting that it is impending or about to take place at any moment.
"The launch of the rocket was imminent and the team was making final checks."

Detailed meaning of imminent

When an event, situation, or threat is referred to as 'imminent,' it implies a sense of urgency and immediacy, indicating that there is little time to prepare or act before it transpires. This term conveys the idea that whatever is impending is likely to occur in the immediate or foreseeable future, and it often carries a certain degree of concern or anticipation, especially when referring to imminent dangers, crises, or deadlines. 'Imminent' underscores the idea of the imminent event being just around the corner, emphasizing the need for prompt attention or action in response to the impending occurrence.

Example sentences containing imminent

1. The dark clouds overhead signaled the imminent arrival of a thunderstorm.
2. The detective sensed an imminent danger lurking in the shadows.
3. The news of the impending hurricane caused a sense of imminent fear among the coastal residents.
4. The patient's vital signs deteriorated rapidly, indicating the imminent need for medical intervention.
5. As the deadline approached, the team worked tirelessly to meet the imminent project delivery.
6. The volcano's seismic activity indicated an imminent eruption, prompting the evacuation of nearby towns.

History and etymology of imminent

The adjective 'imminent' has its etymological origins in Latin. It is derived from the Latin word 'imminere,' which combines 'in' (into or upon) and 'minere' (to jut or project). In Latin, 'imminere' was used to describe something that overhung or projected into a particular space, creating a sense of closeness or immediate presence. Over time, this term evolved to describe something that is about to happen or occur in the very near future, often suggesting that it is impending or about to take place at any moment. When an event is described as 'imminent,' it conveys a sense of urgency and the expectation that it is on the brink of occurring. The etymology of 'imminent' underscores its historical connection to the idea of something looming or projecting into the immediate future, emphasizing its proximity and imminent arrival.

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Further usage examples of imminent

1. The CEO called an emergency meeting to address the imminent financial crisis facing the company.
2. The politician's controversial statement sparked an imminent backlash from the public.
3. The workers hurriedly secured the construction site in preparation for the imminent heavy rain.
4. The imminent arrival of a new baby filled the parents-to-be with excitement and anticipation.
5. The military received intelligence about an imminent terrorist threat and took immediate action.
6. The researcher's groundbreaking discovery hinted at the imminent revolution in the field of technology.
7. The smell of smoke in the building alerted the occupants to the imminent danger of a fire.
8. The warning sirens blared loudly, signaling the imminent approach of a tornado.
9. The archaeologists uncovered ancient artifacts, providing clues to the imminent collapse of a civilization.
10. The hiker's encounter with a grizzly bear left her with a sense of imminent danger and heightened awareness.
11. The negotiations reached a critical point, with an imminent decision that would determine the future of the company.
12. The climber carefully assessed the unstable rocks, aware of the imminent risk of a rockslide.
13. The sudden drop in stock prices signaled the imminent burst of a financial bubble.
14. The astronaut's spacewalk was cut short due to an imminent solar flare, posing a threat to their safety.