Dire peril (6)

I believe the answer is:

danger

'peril' is the definition.
(synonyms)

I don't understand how the rest of the clue works.

(Other definitions for danger that I've seen before include "Peril, exposure to harm" , "'Peril, risk (6)'" , "Peril in garde" , "Garden (anag) - peril" , "Peril, jeopardy" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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