Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

Risk \Risk\, n. [F. risque; cf. It. risco, risico, rischio, Pg.
   risco, Sp. riesgo, and also Sp. risco a steep rock; all
   probably fr. L. resceare to cut off; pref. re- re- + secare
   to cut; -- the word having been probably first used among
   sailors. See {Section}.]
   1. Hazard; danger; peril; exposure to loss, injury, or
      destruction.

            The imminent and constant risk of assassination, a
            risk which has shaken very strong nerves.
                                                  --Macaulay.

   2. (Com.) Hazard of loss; liabillity to loss in property.

   {To run a risk}, to incur hazard; to encounter danger.

   Syn: Danger; hazard; peril; jeopardy; exposure. See {Danger}.