'Imminent' definitions:

Definition of 'imminent'

From: WordNet
adjective
Close in time; about to occur; "retribution is at hand"; "some people believe the day of judgment is close at hand"; "in imminent danger"; "his impending retirement" [syn: at hand(p), close at hand(p), imminent, impendent, impending]

Definition of 'Imminent'

From: GCIDE
  • Imminent \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. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. Full of danger; threatening; menacing; perilous. [1913 Webster]
  • Hairbreadth scapes i' the imminent deadly breach. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. (With upon) Bent upon; attentive to. [R.] [1913 Webster]
  • 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. [1913 Webster]
  • Three times to-day You have defended me from imminent death. --Shak. [1913 Webster]
  • No story I unfold of public woes, Nor bear advices of impending foes. --Pope. [1913 Webster]
  • Fierce faces threatening war. --Milton. [1913 Webster]