C2nounconflictpolitics
US/brɪŋk/
UK/brɪŋk/
the point at which something new, usually bad, is about to happen
In context
The two countries came close to the brink of war over the border dispute.
Rare animals such as the saola are on the brink of extinction.
Talks pulled both sides back from the brink at the last minute.
Words that go with brink
noun + preposition
- brink of warThe crisis pushed the region to the brink of war.
- brink of collapseThe health system was on the brink of collapse during the pandemic.
- brink of extinctionConservation work saved the bird from the brink of extinction.
- brink of bankruptcyThe club was on the brink of bankruptcy last year.
- brink of disasterQuick action by the pilots kept the flight from the brink of disaster.