Concept in Definition ABC

Something is said to be imminent when it is expected to happen immediately or in a very short period of time. Thus, the word imminent is synonymous with next, immediate or near.

The adjective imminent comes from the Latin word imminentis which, in turn, derives from the verb imminere, which means to threaten. The origin of the word allows us to remember that imminent is frequently used in threatening or certain situations. danger.

Imminent danger

Sometimes dangerous situations do not appear suddenly, but there are certain signs that inform about them. When this happens, there is talk of imminent danger. Is expression it is used in cases such as the following: foreseeable natural disasters, threat from collapse of a building, intense storms, etc. When the imminent danger becomes a reality, its appearance is not so surprising, since previous information indicates that something serious is going to happen.

From a security point of view, an attempt is made to avoid subjectivity by using the expression "imminent danger"

In this way, organisms responsible for the safety they try to specify when it is appropriate to use this expression. This question is essential to activate the mechanisms security and the corresponding action protocols.

Imminent, a concept that reveals the relative perception of time

Both from the point of view of physical as from the perspective of human existence, time is something relative. A clear example of this is found at analyze the word imminent in its various uses. If it is considered that an accident is going to occur in a few seconds, an observer can affirm that it will happen imminently.

If an avalanche is expected to occur soon due to snow conditions, the adjective imminent will also be used. And if we place ourselves in the context of climate change, a rise in sea level is said to be imminent. Therefore, the imminent qualifier is applicable in relation to a very close moment in time (a few seconds), with a close proximity (soon) or even in an indeterminate time (in the next years).

In any case, it refers to situations that have a threatening and, at the same time, uncertain component. It must be borne in mind that it is possible to foresee a danger but it is not so feasible to know what its exact consequences are.

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