Source : Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)

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.

   2. Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous.

            Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach.
                                                  --Shak.

   3. (With upon) Bent upon; attentive to. [R.]

            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.

                Three times to-day You have defended me from
                imminent death.                   --Shak.

                No story I unfold of public woes, Nor bear
                advices of impending foes.        --Pope.

                Fierce faces threatening war.     --Milton.

Source : WordNet®

imminent
     adj : 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)}, {impending}]