Pronunciation

/threɪn/ (US) /θred/ (UK)

Definitions

• Verb: n. & v. 1. To give or express the intention of causing harm, damage, or loss to someone or something, often with the threat of force or intimidation. 2. To make a warning or intimiation of an adverse action or consequence. 3. To imperil or put in danger.

Phrases

• “Threaten someone with something” implies the use of a specific threat.
• “Under threat” describes a situation where someone or something is at risk.
• “Threaten to do” denotes the act of promising to take harmful action if certain conditions are not met.

Example Sentences

• Verb: “The boss threatened to fire anyone who didn’t meet their sales targets.”
• Imperative: “Don’t threaten the children, it will only upset them.”
• “The country is under threat from terrorism.”

Synonyms

• Menace
• Intimidate
• Alarm
• Frighten
• Harass
• Predicament
• Risk

Antonyms

• Protect
• Safeguard
• Comfort
• Assure
• Encourage
• Calm

Idioms

• Threaten rain (informal) - to suggest that something bad might happen, even if it’s unlikely.
• Threaten to break loose (figurative) - to behave in a way that suggests an escape or loss of control.
• Threaten to sue (legal) - to imply that one will take legal action if a certain outcome is not achieved.