\Im"mi*nent\, a. [L. imminens, p. pr. of imminere to
project; pref. im- in + minere (in comp.) to jut, project.
See {Eminent}.]
1. Threatening to occur immediately; near at hand; impending;
   -- said especially of misfortune or peril. ``In danger
   imminent.'' --Spenser.
2. Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous.
         Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach.
                                               --Shak.
3. (With upon) Bent upon; attentive to. [R.]
         Their eyes ever imminent upon worldly matters.
                                               --Milton.
Syn: Impending; threatening; near; at hand.
Usage: {Imminent}, {Impending}, {Threatening}. Imminent is
       the strongest: it denotes that something is ready to
       fall or happen on the instant; as, in imminent danger
       of one's life. Impending denotes that something hangs
       suspended over us, and may so remain indefinitely; as,
       the impending evils of war. Threatening supposes some
       danger in prospect, but more remote; as, threatening
       indications for the future.
             Three times to-day You have defended me from
             imminent death.                   --Shak.
             No story I unfold of public woes, Nor bear
             advices of impending foes.        --Pope.
             Fierce faces threatening war.     --Milton.