gamble

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   to risk money on a game, contest, or uncertain event in the hope of winning more

   He refused to gamble money that the family needed for rent.

2. 2
   verb

   to take a significant risk in the hope of a favorable result

   The team gambled on an untested design and won the contract.

3. 3
   noun

   a risky action or decision whose outcome is uncertain

   Opening a restaurant during the recession was a considerable gamble.

From earlier gamel, related to Middle English gamenen and Old English gamen (game, amusement, sport). Its history links playing games with staking money and, by extension, taking any uncertain risk.

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