Poner en peligro vs. arriesgar vs. comprometer
The Spanish verbs 'poner en peligro', 'arriesgar', and 'comprometer' all have connotations of endangering or jeopardizing, but they are used in different contexts and have slightly different meanings. Here's an in-depth examination of each term.
Poner en peligro
This term literally translates to 'put in danger'. It refers to subjecting someone or something to a harmful or risky situation.
Si conduces con exceso de velocidad, puedes poner en peligro la vida de los demás.
(If you drive at high speed, you can put others' lives in danger.)
Las especies exóticas pueden poner en peligro el ecosistema local.
(Exotic species can put the local ecosystem at risk.)
Arriesgar
'Arriesgar' is similar to 'putting at risk'. It implies willingly or knowingly taking a risk that may have dangerous outcomes.
El alpinista arriesgó su vida para alcanzar la cima de la montaña.
(The climber risked his life to reach the mountain top.)
No deberías arriesgar todo tu dinero en un solo negocio.
(You should not risk all your money in a single business.)
Comprometer
While 'comprometer' can be translated as 'to jeopardize', it is more often used to imply that some action might compromise, implicate or damage something, often in a less immediate and physically threatening manner than 'poner en peligro' and 'arriesgar'.
Las continuas tardanzas pueden comprometer tu posición en el trabajo.
(Continual lateness can jeopardize your position at work.)
Su comportamiento irresponsable puede comprometer su salud a largo plazo.
(His irresponsible behavior can compromise his long-term health.)
Summary
'Poner en peligro', 'arriesgar', and 'comprometer' all convey actions that could potentially lead to negative consequences, but differ slightly depending on the context they are used. Remember, context is key when interpreting and employing these terms.