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. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous. [ 1913 Webster ] Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. (With upon) Bent upon; attentive to. [ R. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 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. [ 1913 Webster ] Three times to-day
You have defended me from imminent death. Shak. [ 1913 Webster ] No story I unfold of public woes,
Nor bear advices of impending foes. Pope. [ 1913 Webster ] Fierce faces threatening war. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ] | 
