threaten

[US]/ˈθretn/
[UK]/ˈθretn/
Frequency: Very High

Translation

vt. to express the intention to harm or punish; to give warning of potential harm or danger
vi. to be a potential source of danger or harm

Phrases & Collocations

threatening behavior

Example Sentences

threaten him with death

threaten to do sth.

The clouds threaten rain.

the project was threatened with cancellation by the government.

the affair threatened to be a cesspit of scandal.

the men threatened staff with a handgun.

They threatened to baton him to death.

The black clouds threaten a storm.

They threatened me with violence.

The whole country is threatened with starvation.

had to be bludgeoned into fulfilling his responsibilities. See also Synonyms at threaten

a policy that threatens to destabilize the economy; a new weapon that threatens to destabilize nuclear deterrence.

A gang of scamps threatened us.

He was well-known for his violent and threatening behaviour.

you threaten and bluster, but won't carry it through.

Britain threatened to break off diplomatic relations.

the bank was threatening to foreclose on his mortgage.

threatening to tear it off its hinges.

Real-world Examples

Some cultural heritage has been threatened.

Source: 50 Sample Essays for English Major Level 8 Exam Memorization

Artificial intelligence could also threaten existing jobs.

Source: VOA Daily Standard May 2018 Collection

11. What did the woman threaten to do?

Source: CET-6 Listening Past Exam Questions (with Translations)

Did you find GPS threatening to your masculinity?

Source: Focus on the Oscars

Fifth days struck him as peculiarly threatening.

Source: BBC Ideas Selection (Bilingual)

Low repayment rates threaten to undo this.

Source: The Economist (Summary)

So, Neil, imagine something is physically threatening you.

Source: Learn English by following hot topics.

Rising sea levels do not just threaten Tuvalu.

Source: Global Slow English

So many factors threatened to sweep the economy.

Source: CNN 10 Student English of the Month

" Xaro Xhoan Daxos does not threaten. He promises" .

Source: A Dance with Dragons: The Song of Ice and Fire (Bilingual Chinese-English)

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