hazard

(noun) a source of danger; a possibility of incurring loss or misfortune. Synonyms: jeopardy, peril, risk, endangerment. Example: "Drinking alcohol is a health hazard."

(noun) an unknown and unpredictable phenomenon that causes an event to result one way rather than another. Synonyms: luck, fortune, chance. Examples: "Bad luck caused his downfall." "We ran into each other by pure chance."

(noun) an obstacle on a golf course.

(verb) put forward, of a guess, in spite of possible refutation. Synonyms: guess, venture, pretend. Examples: "I am guessing that the price of real estate will rise again." "I cannot pretend to say that you are wrong."

(verb) put at risk. Synonyms: venture, adventure, stake, jeopardize. Example: "I will stake my good reputation for this."

(verb) take a risk in the hope of a favorable outcome. Synonyms: gamble, chance, risk, take chances, adventure, run a risk, take a chance. Example: "When you buy these stocks you are gambling."