Threaten Definition
thrĕtn
threatened, threatening, threatens
verb
threatened, threatening, threatens
To make threats against; express one's intention of hurting, punishing, etc.
Webster's New World
To be an indication or source of potential danger, harm, etc.
Webster's New World
To express intention to inflict (punishment, reprisal, etc.)
Webster's New World
To indicate the likely occurrence of (something dangerous, unpleasant, etc.)
Clouds threatening snow.
Webster's New World
To give signs or warning of; portend.
Clouds threatening rain.
American Heritage
Synonyms:
- advance
- come on
- approach
- be on the horizon
- be brewing
- imperil
- be in the offing
- be gathering
- be dangerous
- endanger
- forewarn
- forebode
- jeopardise
- peril
- jeopardize
Origin of Threaten
From Middle English þreaten or þreten, from Old English þrēatian.
From Wiktionary
Threaten Is Also Mentioned In
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