Peril/ˈperəl/ Definition 1 of 3Pro Tip 1/3Physical Danger Used to describe situations with possible physical harm. Climbers face the peril of falling rocks. Pro Tip 2/3Emotional Intensity Conveys a strong emotional response to the risk involved. The perils of war leave deep scars. Pro Tip 3/3Often Exaggerated Sometimes used to dramatize otherwise standard risks. He spoke of the perils of eating sweets.