imminent
C1
adj
Freq #10733
Meanings
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1
adj
About to happen, occur, or take place very soon, especially of something which won't last long.
To courageous, self-reliant men, with confidence in the power of free and fearless reasoning applied through the processes of popular government, no danger flowing from speech can be deemed clear and present unless the incidence of the evil apprehended is so imminent that it may befall before there is opportunity for full discussion.
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2
adj
close in time
Etymology
From the present participle of Latin imminēre (“to overhang”), from mineō ("to project, overhang"), related to minae (English menace) and mons (English mount). Compare with eminent.
View etymology graph →Thesaurus
Synonyms
1
adj
· about to happen, occur, or...
around the cornerat handforthcomingimmediateimminentimpendentimpendingin the offingin the windinevitableinstanton the boil
2
adj
· close in time
at hand