Definition
to threaten: to menace, to warn of future danger
He threatened me verbally for several minutes before hitting me.
a threat: a warning of something bad which may happen in the future
Is that a threat or a promise?
to pose a threat to be a danger, a risk, a potential problem
(a) threatening (message): (a) worrying, scary (message), (a message) which contains a warning
Pronunciation examples
UK: Don't you threaten me with that banana.
US: I can't threaten you with this banana. It's just a banana.
- "Drop in spending threatens gloomy Christmas for retailers"
- "In the US, the loss of industrial jobs and the rise of a global economy have threatened the higher wages that union members once enjoyed."
- "Subject: Ominous, vaguely threatening email"
- "If someone threatens you with physical violence, offer them some discount vouchers."
- "Faced with the threat of a flu pandemic, researchers from Paris have developed a deterrent that could stop the virus from spreading."
- "They're threatening to send him back to Mexico."
- "Rebels are demanding $4 billion in ransom and have threatened to remove the hostages' hairs one by one tomorrow morning."
- "There are lots of dangers on the sea, including the very real threat of zucchini."
Still unsure of the best way to use 'Threaten'? Improve your English thanks to our online English lessons. We offer a free test as well as a free level assessment!
What our users say:
Test your English with Gymglish today and get a free level assessment
Absolutely free - no strings attached.
