American Dictionary

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Definition threaten in American English

threaten verb

verb
/ˈθret(ə)n/
1

to tell someone that you might or you will cause them harm, especially in order to make them do something

Example

He's been threatening me for months.

Example

The terrorists are threatening to kill the hostages.

Example

One man has been threatened with legal action.

Example

My life has been threatened on several occasions.

Synonyms and related words
1.1

to say that you might or you will do something bad or harmful, especially in order to make someone do something

Example

NATO has threatened air strikes against the capital.

Synonyms and related words
2

to be likely to harm or destroy something

Example

the cancer that now threatens his life

Example

Their actions threaten the stability and security of the region.

Example

Many workers feel that their jobs are threatened.

Synonyms and related words
3

if something bad or unpleasant threatens, it is likely to happen or to affect you

Example

Rain was threatening, and it had turned cold.

Example

The wildebeest return to the herd when danger threatens.

Synonyms and related words
Definition threaten in American English