imminent
adj/ˈɪmɪnənt/ · /ˈɪmənənt/
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.
1
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.1927, Whitney v. California:
- The Second World War was reaching fever pitch, with the entire Allied effort in top gear for the imminent invasion of Europe, while later that month buzz bombs would start falling on London.2022 January 12, Benedict le Vay, “The heroes of Soham...”, in RAIL, number 948, page 42:
1 more example
- “Iran posed no imminent threat to our nation, and it is clear that we started this war due to pressure from Israel and its powerful American lobby.”2026 March 17, Julian E. Barnes, Robert Draper, Luke Broadwater, quoting Joe Kent, “Joe Kent, a Top Counterterrorism Official for the Trump Administration, Resigns, Citing Iran War”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
- Derived terms
- imminence, imminent abortion, imminently, imminentness