'jeopardy' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'jeu parti', where 'jeu' meant 'game' and 'parti' meant 'divided'.

'jeu parti' transformed into the Middle English word 'jeopardie', and eventually became the modern English word 'jeopardy'.

Initially, it meant 'a divided game or contest', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'danger or risk'.