Threaten - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
To threaten means to express an intention to harm, punish, or cause distress to someone or something. It can involve words, actions, or behavior that create fear or intimidation.
Definition:
To express an intention to harm or cause trouble if demands are not met.
Synonyms:
intimidate, menace, warn, bully
Part of Speech:
verb
Antonyms:
reassure, protect
Common Collocations:
threaten violence, threaten legal action, threaten to leave
Derivatives:
threatening, threatened, threatener
Usage Tips:
Use "threaten" when someone warns of harm or negative consequences if conditions aren’t met.
Common Phrases:
empty threat, under threat of, threaten with a lawsuit
Etymology:
From Old English *þreatian* (to press, oppress), related to *þreat* (crowd, menace).
Examples:
- 1. The storm clouds threaten rain later today.
- 2. He didn’t mean to threaten her; he was just angry.
- 3. If you threaten the witness, you could face charges.
- 4. The boss threatened to fire anyone who was late again.