Imminent \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.

Usage: 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.

Source: Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)