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 used frequently in threatening situations or of certain danger.
Imminent danger
Sometimes dangerous situations do not appear suddenly, but there are certain signs that inform about them. When this happens, it speaks of an imminent danger. This expression is used in cases such as the following: foreseeable natural disasters, threat of 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, the organizations responsible for security try to specify when it is appropriate to use this expression. This question is essential to activate the security mechanisms and the corresponding action protocols.
Imminent, a concept that reveals the relative perception of time
Both from the point of view of physics and from the point of view of human existence, time is something relative. A clear example of this is found when analyzing the word imminent in its different 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 the state of the snow, the adjective imminent will also be used. And if we place ourselves in the context of climate change, it is said that a rise in sea level is imminent. Therefore, the qualifier imminent 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 few years).
In any case, it refers to situations that have a threatening and, at the same time, uncertain component. It must be taken into account 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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