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- DictionaryThreat·en/ˈTHretn/
verb
- 1. state one's intention to take hostile action against someone in retribution for something done or not done: "the unions threatened a general strike"
1. : to utter threats against. 2. a. : to give signs or warning of : portend. the clouds threatened rain. b. : to hang over dangerously : menace. famine threatens the city.
THREATEN definition: 1. to tell someone that you will kill or hurt them or cause problems if they do not do what you…. Learn more.
What does threaten mean? To threaten someone is to indicate that you will cause harm to or create some other kind of negative consequences for them, especially to pressure them to do something or not to do something. This kind of statement is called a threat.
THREATEN meaning: 1. to tell someone that you will kill or hurt them or cause problems if they do not do what you…. Learn more.
If something or someone threatens a person or thing, they are likely to harm that person or thing. The newcomers directly threaten the livelihood of the established workers. [VERB noun] The unity of our society is threatened by troublesome and restless minorities. [VERB noun]
threaten. [transitive] to say that you will cause trouble, hurt somebody, etc. if you do not get what you want. threaten somebody/something They broke my windows and threatened me. People have even threatened his life. threaten somebody with something The attacker threatened them with a gun.
Something that threatens makes its danger known. Storm clouds threaten rain, and bullies threaten other kids. Unfortunately, there are lots of people and things that threaten — it's a dangerous world. If someone threatens you with violence, you should call the police.
[intransitive, transitive] to seem likely to happen or cause something unpleasant A storm was threatening. When war threatens, people act irrationally. threaten to do something This dispute threatens to split the party. threaten something The clouds threatened rain.
Threaten definition, to utter a threat against; menace: He threatened the boy with a beating. See more.
to tell someone that you will kill or hurt them, or cause problems for them if they do not do what you want: He threatened the staff with a gun and demanded money. [ + to do sth ] He threatened to report her to the police. Fewer examples. They have threatened to retaliate against any troops that attack.
