Meaning & use

brink

noun·Academic

The point just before something, especially something significant or dangerous, is likely to happen.

See it in a sentence

The two nations stood on the brink of war after the border clash.

She was on the brink of tears when she finally heard the news.

A note on using this word

Almost always follows 'on the,' as in 'on the brink of'; it can also mean the literal edge of a steep place.

Words with a similar meaning

vergeedge

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “brink”, then compare your use with the examples above.

Your draft stays on this page and is not sent anywhere.