This is the 8902nd most frequent Portuguese word.
arriscava
"Arriscava" means "used to risk" or "was risking."
The word 'arriscava' refers to the act of taking a significant risk or chance, especially involving danger.
Ele arriscava sua vida para salvar os outros.
He risked his life to save others.
Here, 'arriscava' implies an action done with some degree of uncertainty, metaphorically 'risking' being incorrect.
Ela sempre arriscava uma resposta antes de saber a certeza.
She always guessed an answer before knowing for sure.
In this case, 'arriscava' is about avoiding an action to prevent an undesirable consequence.