Threatening - Meaning, Definition & English Examples
Threatening describes something that suggests harm, danger, or intimidation. It can refer to words, actions, or situations that make someone feel unsafe or fearful of potential negative consequences.
Definition:
Expressing or suggesting harm, danger, or intimidation.
Synonyms:
menacing, intimidating, ominous, hostile
Part of Speech:
adjective, verb (present participle)
Antonyms:
reassuring, comforting
Common Collocations:
threatening behavior, threatening letter, threatening tone, threatening gesture
Derivatives:
threaten, threatened, threatener
Usage Tips:
Use "threatening" to describe actions or words that imply harm or danger; often paired with nouns like "behavior" or "look."
Common Phrases:
under threat of, empty threats, a threatening presence
Etymology:
From Old English "þreatian" (to pressurize) + "-ing," related to "threat."
Examples:
- 1. The storm clouds looked threatening as they gathered overhead.
- 2. His threatening tone made everyone uneasy during the meeting.
- 3. She received a threatening message from an unknown sender.
- 4. The dog’s growl was low and threatening.