gamble
Translation
to bet money on something, to take a risky action
Examples
He gambles on the horses.
He gambles on the horses.
They gambled on the weather and lost.
They gambled on the weather and lost.
Grammar Patterns
((on sth.)) to bet money (on sth.) He gambles on the horses.
((sth.)) ((on sth.)) to risk (sth.) (on sth.) He gambled his reputation on the project.
Similar Words
Synonyms: bet, wager, risk, speculate
Etymology
From Old English 'gamen' meaning 'game'. So, literally 'to play a game', which evolved to mean playing for stakes.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'game' where you risk money or something valuable.