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. --
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.
