threatens
word · lemma: threaten
/ˈθɹɛtənz/
/θɹˈɛtənz/
Definition
When someone or something says or shows they will cause harm or bad consequences if something does not happen or change. It can also mean being at risk or danger.
Usage & Nuances
Usually formal or neutral. Commonly found with 'to' plus an action ('threatens to leave'), or describing dangers ('the storm threatens the city'). Can be about people, animals, or abstract dangers. Do not use for minor warnings or everyday advice.
Spanish: amenazaPortuguese (BR): ameaçaPortuguese (PT): ameaçaChinese (Simplified): 威胁Chinese (Traditional): 威脅Hindi: धमकी देता हैArabic: يهددBengali: হুমকি দেয়Russian: угрожаетJapanese: 脅かすVietnamese: đe dọaKorean: 위협하다Turkish: tehdit ediyorUrdu: دھمکی دیتا ہےIndonesian: mengancam
Example Sentences
She always threatens her brother when she is angry.
basic
If he threatens you again, just ignore him.
natural
This new law threatens our freedom of speech.
natural
Bad weather threatens to ruin our picnic plans.
natural
The fire threatens the whole forest.
basic
He threatens to call the police.
basic