threaten
word
/ˈθɹɛtən/
THRE-tuhn
/θɹˈɛtən/
THRE-tuhn
Definition
To say or show that you will cause harm, trouble, or damage to someone or something. It can also mean to be likely to cause danger or serious problems.
Usage & Nuances
Often used in two patterns: 'threaten someone' and 'threaten to do something'. It can be direct ('He threatened me') or less personal ('The storm threatens the crops'). Stronger and more serious than 'warn'.
Spanish: amenazar - poner en peligroPortuguese (BR): ameaçar - colocar em riscoPortuguese (PT): ameaçar - pôr em riscoChinese (Simplified): 威胁 - 危及Chinese (Traditional): 威脅 - 危及Hindi: धमकी देना - खतरे में डालनाArabic: يهدد - يعرض للخطرBengali: হুমকি দেওয়া - বিপন্ন করাRussian: угрожатьJapanese: 脅す - 危険にさらすVietnamese: đe dọaKorean: 위협하다Turkish: tehdit etmekUrdu: دھمکی دیناIndonesian: mengancam
Example Sentences
The man threatened the shop owner with a knife.
basic
Dark clouds threaten the small village every summer.
basic
They threatened to break the window.
basic
Don't threaten me just because you're angry.
natural
Rising prices threaten to push small businesses out of the market.
natural
She felt threatened and left the room right away.
natural