Comprehensive
Dictionary Suite
Help
Help
Help
 
     
Lookup History
threaten

threat·en

threaten

 
 
pronunciation:
thre tn
parts of speech:
transitive verb, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Grammatical Patterns
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: threatens, threatening, threatened
definition 1: to declare intent to harm or punish.
The judge threatened him with a jail sentence.She threatened him with a gun.
synonyms:
menace
antonyms:
coax
similar words:
admonish, bulldoze, bully, challenge, cow, intimidate, jeopardize, provoke, terrorize, warn
definition 2: to warn or give a sign of upcoming trouble or harm.
The sky threatened rain.
synonyms:
augur, bode, portend
similar words:
endanger, imperil, presage, promise
definition 3: to announce as an action that one might take, such action being considered one that would have an adverse effect on oneself or others.
She threatened to quit if she wasn't offered more money.[verb + infinitive ] He threatened to kill her if she went to the police.[verb + infinitive ] She threatened leaving, but she never had the courage to do so.[verb + gerund ] He threatened to harm himself if she came any nearer.
similar words:
promise
definition 4: to be a cause of loss or destruction.
Poaching threatens the remaining number of these animals.Loss of habitat threatens the existence of many creatures.
similar words:
endanger
definition 5: to show potential to do a thing or things that will cause loss or destruction.
As the volcano threatens to explode, people continue to evacuate the area.[verb + infinitive ]
 
part of speech: intransitive verb
definition 1: to use threats.
He can threaten all he wants, but I don't think he can actually harm you.
similar words:
bully, challenge, menace, warn
definition 2: to warn of danger or mischief.
The storm clouds threatened.
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: threateningly (adv.), threatener (n.)