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.
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.
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.