Meaning

To make a threat against someone; to use threats..

Definitions by Sense

1. To make a threat against someone; to use threats.
2. To menace, or be dangerous.
3. To portend, or give a warning of.
4. To call into question the validity of (a belief, idea, or viewpoint); to challenge.
5. (figuratively) To be close to equaling or surpassing (a record, etc.); to challenge.

Example Sentences

He threatened me with a knife.

No one, however, would have anything to do with him, as Mr. Keeson's orders in those respects were very strict ; he had often threatened any one of his employés with instant dismissal if he found him in company with one of these touts.

"Taiwanese are very enthusiastic and love freedom and democracy, so many good international friends have come to Taiwan to support us. This is a normal and good thing, but China threatens and intimidates Taiwan," she said. "However, I would like to reassure everyone that both our government and the military are prepared, and I will definitely take care of Taiwan."

The rocks threatened the ship's survival.

The black clouds threatened heavy rain.

The new information threatened our original hypothesis.

The player quickly surmised that things weren't kosher and the suddenly wiser ballplayer threatened the world record for the fifty-yard dash as he sought safety. As Reynolds dived into the van, Dietz and the other players rolled with laughter.

Word Forms

• threatens
• threatening
• threatened

Synonyms for threaten

Antonyms for threaten

Related Words

When Should You Use Threaten?

Use threaten when its meaning, tone and grammar fit the full sentence. A synonym is not always a direct replacement.

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