ETYM French risque.
1. Possibility of loss or injury; peril.
2. Someone or something that creates or suggests a hazard.
3. A venture undertaken without regard to possible loss or injury; SYN. peril, danger.
4. The chance that an investment (as a stock or commodity) will lose value.

To expose to a chance of loss or damage; SYN. put on the line, lay on the line.