The edge, margin, or border of a steep place, as of a precipice; a bank or edge, as of a river or pit; a verge; a border; as, the brink of a chasm. Also Fig.
- The upper edge of a steep or vertical slope: the brink of a cliff.
- The margin of land bordering a body of water.
- The point at which something is likely to begin; the verge: "Time and again the monarchs and statesmen of Europe approached the brink of conflict” ( W. Bruce Lincoln). See Synonyms at border.