brink

The definition of brink is the edge of something steep, or the point right before something unpleasant is about to happen.

(noun)

When a disaster is about to occur, this is an example of a time when you are on the brink of disaster.

See brink in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

the edge, esp. at the top of a steep place; verge: often used figuratively: at the brink of war
the bank, esp. when steep, of a river or other body of water

Origin: ME < MLowG or Dan, shore, bank, grassy edge; prob. < IE *bhreng-, var. of base *bhren-, project, edge > L frons, front

See brink in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

a. The upper edge of a steep or vertical slope: the brink of a cliff.
b. The margin of land bordering a body of water.
The point at which something is likely to begin; the verge: “Time and again the monarchs and statesmen of Europe approached the brink of conflict” (W. Bruce Lincoln). See Synonyms at border.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , probably of Scandinavian origin

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