Threaten
Definition, Meaning & Examples
Pronunciation /ˈθɹɛt.n̩/ · Part of speech verb
Quick meaning: Threaten is a verb meaning To make a threat against someone; to use threats.
Meaning
To make a threat against someone; to use threats.
More Meanings
- To menace, or be dangerous.
- To portend, or give a warning of.
- To call into question the validity of (a belief, idea, or viewpoint); to challenge.
- (figuratively) To be close to equaling or surpassing (a record, etc.); to challenge.
Example Sentences
He threatened me with a knife.
The black clouds threatened heavy rain.
The rocks threatened the ship's survival.
The new information threatened our original hypothesis.
Word Forms
- threatens
- threatening
- threatened
Synonyms for threaten
Depending on context, synonyms include peril, menace, jeopardize, imperil, endanger.
Antonyms for threaten
Common opposites include promise.
Related Words
Related dictionary entries include menace, peril, jeopardize, imperil, endanger, threat.
Related Dictionary Tools
Sources & Attribution
FreeDictionaryAPI.com / Wiktionary · Original source · CC BY-SA 4.0
Dictionary data is provided by FreeDictionaryAPI.com and sourced from Wiktionary under its stated license.