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hazard

HAZ-erd /ˈhæzərd/

nounverbB2

neutral

An obstacle on a golf course, such as a water feature or a sand bunker, designed to make the game more difficult.

In golf, hazards have specific rules regarding how a player can hit their ball out of them (e.g., not touching the ground with the club before swinging).

The story behind the word. The word originally referred to a game of chance played with dice, which Crusaders brought back from the Middle East. The Arabic word 'al-zahr' (the die) became 'hasart' in Old French, representing risk and chance. Over centuries, the meaning shifted from a game of chance to any risk, danger, or physical obstacle.

Word relationships

obstacle: Obstacle is any barrier, while hazard in golf refers to specific, rule-defined areas like water or bunkers.

safety: Safety is a state of being secure, whereas hazard represents risk or danger.

Commonly confused with

bunker: A bunker is a specific type of sand hazard, whereas hazard is the general category.

Word family

hazardous (adjective): Dangerous or risky.
hazarded (verb): Ventured or risked.

Collocations

water hazard
lateral hazard
avoid the hazard
environmental hazard

Example sentences

"The twelfth hole is notorious for its deep water hazard that guards the front of the green." Describing a difficult course layout.
"Icy roads present a severe hazard to drivers during the winter months." Using the word in a general safety context.

Memory hook

Think of a 'hazard' as a place where you 'has' a hard time. Hazard brings hard times.

When not to use

In general English, it means danger or risk. In golf, it specifically refers to physical features of the course.

Fun facts

Under modern golf rules updated in 2019, the term 'hazard' was largely replaced by 'penalty area,' though golfers still universally use the traditional term.